Marc Skinner says that Man United ‘are here for business’ as the side prepare to face Wolfsburg in the Champions League.
United are in good form in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, beating French giants PSG at home last week to maintain their league phase winning streak. Their league form has been more mixed of late, with back-to-back Women’s Super League (WSL) losses sandwiching the PSG win, culminating in a devastating 3-0 loss to local rivals Manchester City last weekend.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Wolfsburg, Skinner was asked what he will take from the City loss and put right against Wolfsburg. The head coach shared that the lesson he has taken from the match relates to criticality and decision-making.
“I think the biggest thing that we’ve learnt from the game is that you can have all the play in the middle of the park and control the pitch, as much as you can,” Skinner reflected. “It’s the most I think possession we’ve had against Manchester City, I think, but you’ve got to be clear, cut in both boxes. And we’ve got to create more dangerous situations in the final third.”
The head coach is hoping that facing a strong team like Wolfsburg will provide the necessary impetus for more of those dangerous situations – which should make for exciting viewing.
Wolfsburg are ‘a fantastic team’ says Marc Skinner
Manchester United have never met Wolfsburg in a competitive match, but the German side’s pedigree is clear. Wolfsburg are two-time Champions League winners – though their last title came in 2014 – and went on to reach several finals in the years that followed.
After Wolfsburg claimed victory in their first two European finals, Lyon set about avenging their 2013 defeat, blocking Wolfsburg from adding to their continental trophy haul in three consecutive finals. Skinner is aware of this history, sharing that he hopes his team will rise to the occasion.
“It’s a fantastic team,” the head coach said. “We’re really looking forward to the game. I think the players are in great spirits. We’ve played really well up until this part of the season. So we’re really looking forward to giving a good shift tomorrow and looking forward to gracing this beautiful stadium with a good performance.
“We’re here for business and we want to make sure we make it as tough as possible. These little romantic stories are a part of what makes the game beautiful. But we have to approach it with no respect when we’re on the field because you give this team so much respect and they can hurt you.”
Dominique Janseen brings experience to Man United
Talking about the German team, Skinner highlighted the role of Dominique Janssen, who made the move from Wolfsburg to United in 2024. The Netherlands international spent five years at the club, winning the Frauen Bundesliga twice, the DFB-Pokal four times, and reaching two UWCL finals.
“When I when I think of Wolfsburg, I always believe that they’re one of the top European teams. So, you know, we’re playing against a really good team. We got this lady here [Janssen] because we wanted to grow our experience in the game and especially at this level.
So now, this is a whole reason we brought Dom to the club and we were looking forward to the game tomorrow and, you know, regardless of the Manchester City game on a two-day turnaround. We’re focused and fresh and ready to go into this this huge game.”
Asked which players he thinks will be particularly threatening in the Wolfsburg forward line, Skinner offered that “in this level of competition, you face many iconic forwards.”
He went on to highlight former German international Alex Popp as “one of the legends of the game in my opinion. To see her qualities up front and personal will be a challenge for us. But, you know, I’ve also got a legend of the game here next to me [Janssen].”
The ‘Green Team’
Former Bayern Munich head coach Alexander Strauss repeatedly referred to Wolfsburg as “the green team” due to the bright green colour of their kits. Volkswagen Arena is also entirely encased in the same green – even down to the hallways deep inside. Whilst calling it beautiful may be controversial, such a bright statement of identity is provoking.
“I think these stadiums deserve the best performances,” Skinner asserted, sharing his vision that “we’re going to give absolutely everything, and you know, with our quality and the quality of Wolfsburg, I think it’ll be a really good game.”
On the confronting nature of the Volkswagen’s green façade, he was complimentary, adding that “it’s a really nice green, I must stress.”
It is not just the stands that are green – upon entering the building, it becomes immediately clear which club resides there. As Skinner suggested, even “as you walk out, the changing room. On the wall with the green eyes”.
Whilst he accepts that such things add mental pressure, the Red Devils boss was relaxed about his team’s ability to deal with it: “When you travel away to top European teams, you expect that kind of mental pressure. It’s already being your visual format. So we look forward to it.”
Awujo is ‘back to normal head size now’ updates Skinner
In last weekend’s loss to Manchester City, United veteran Ella Toone needed treatment for an extended period of time, and young Canadian Simi Awujo ended the match with a large lump on her head. Eager to ease fan worries about the duo, Skinner shared an update on the fitness of both players.
“They both are fine,” he assured. “Ella’s was just a bit sharp at the time. So they’re both available – it’s the same squad [as faced City] available.”
Following the league loss to Aston Villa, it was revealed that goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce would miss PSG’s visit due to a facial injury. Skinner confirmed today that the injury is a fractured eye-socket, which may take a number of weeks to heal.
Backup goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel put in a strong performance against the French giants, however at 21 she is still young, and has only played a handful of games for United. Asked if he is concerned about the impact of missing Tullis-Joyce, Skinner emphasised that they are different goalkeepers with different qualities.
“Phal’s a massive part of this team. Of course she is. But the deputies are there to step in and stand up and be counted and that’s why they’re at Manchester United. Saf’s got a different quality and skill set to Phallon and look, we have to utilise that you have to get used to that. It’s a little bit different.
“Which she has a great understanding. I’ve just said, look, enjoy the moments. You know, Phallon is an incredible goalkeeper to try and get past. You’ve got to be ready when your moment comes.”
