Skinner ‘really pleased’ to move closer to WSL leaders City as United see off Leicester

Manchester United Women manager Marc Skinner declared himself “really pleased” after his side trimmed the gap to Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City with a 2-0 victory over Leicester City.

The result keeps United firmly in the title hunt and ensures the pressure remains on their local rivals at the summit. Skinner emphasised the importance of sustaining that pressure as the season heads into its decisive weeks.

The win lifts United three points behind City, who still hold a game in hand, and maintains the Red Devils’ unbeaten run in 2024. Goals either side of the interval proved enough to dispatch a spirited Leicester outfit at Leigh Sports Village, where United have now recorded four consecutive league clean sheets.

Speaking after the match, Skinner praised his players’ focus and application, noting that every remaining fixture is effectively a must-win if they are to overtake the pacesetters. He singled out the collective defensive effort that limited Leicester to few clear chances and underlined the squad’s determination to carry momentum into the final stretch.

The Foxes, meanwhile, remain in mid-table and are still searching for a first victory since January. Managerial staff took heart from a disciplined first-half display but acknowledged that lapses after the restart ultimately cost them any hope of a positive result.

With the top-two battle intensifying, United’s next assignment is a trip to face a resurgent Brighton side, while City travel to Aston Villa. Skinner insists his team can only control their own performances, yet the message inside the dressing room is clear: keep winning and force the leaders to look over their shoulders.