Manchester United announce major contract decision as Man City star makes Arsenal admission

Manchester United announce major contract decision as Man City star makes Arsenal admission

Both Man United and Manchester City had a good weekend on the pitch last time out, each recording WSL victories.

It has been a good week for Marc Skinner (left) and Chloe Kelly. (Image: Getty Images. )

Both Manchester City and Manchester United recorded Women's Super League victories last weekend to tighten their grip on their respective league positions.

Following their Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Chelsea last Thursday night, City responded with a 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. Meanwhile, United beat Everton with a comfortable 2-0 win.

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Both sides will enjoy a rare breather this weekend with the international break taking centre stage before resuming their campaigns with an FA Cup semi-final against each other on Sunday, April 13.

As part of the Manchester Evening News' weekly women's football notebook, here is a round-up of the five biggest talking points from the women's football scene across Manchester from the past week and ahead of this weekend.

Skinner signs new United contract

United head coach Marc Skinner has signed a new contract at Old Trafford to keep him at the club until June 2027, with the option of an extra year. Skinner, 42, has been at United since July 2021, succeeding Casey Stoney.

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He has overseen an excellent job so far this season, leading United to third place in the WSL table, boasting the best defensive record in the league in the process. They have, of course, also reached the last four of the FA Cup, meaning their hopes of defending their crown are still very much alive.

Taking charge of 119 games thus far, Skinner boasts a win ratio of almost 65 per cent. His side has only lost three games this season across all competitions.

"It has been an absolute privilege to serve as head coach for this fantastic football club for the past four years, and I am delighted to be extending my time in the role for at least a further two years," Skinner told United's club website.

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"We are building a young, hungry team with the aim of challenging consistently for further trophies. There is still more hard work ahead, including this season, but the players and staff have already shown their determination to succeed, and I am looking forward to us taking the next steps in our journey together."

Marc Skinner has committed his future to Manchester United. (Image: Harriet Lander - The FA/The FA via Getty Images. )

Back in the groove

United recorded a second consecutive WSL victory last Sunday afternoon, beating Everton 2-0 at Leigh Sports Village. Dominique Janssen and Grace Clinton got themselves on the scoresheet, netting either side of half-time.

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Janssen opened the scoring after 22 minutes when Ella Toone's free-kick from the left was spilled by Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan and the 30-year-old needed no further invitation to capitalise on her mistake.

Clinton doubled United's advantage just two minutes after half-time, flicking home Leah Galton's low centre from inside the six-yard box. That marked her second goal in as many games following her Goal of the Season contender against Aston Villa the previous weekend.

Having seen their seven-match winning run in the WSL ended by Liverpool on March 14, United have since responded with successive victories, scoring six goals and conceding none. They are currently third in the WSL table, only behind second-placed Arsenal on goal difference, with just four games left to play.

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City bounce back

Following the agony of their Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Chelsea last Thursday night, City got back to winning ways last weekend, beating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 at Crawley Town's Broadfield Stadium.

City took a 2-0 lead into the second leg of their aforementioned quarter-final showdown but found themselves 3-0 down by half-time, meaning they were eliminated 3-2 on aggregate. However, interim boss Nick Cushing saw his side bounce back at the first available opportunity, scooping all three points via goals from Kerstin Casparij and Vivianne Miedema.

Kerstin Casparij and Vivianne Miedema got the goals. (Image: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images. )

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Casparij fired City in front shortly before half-time when she gambled on connecting with Mary Fowler's low cross and turning the ball home from the edge of the six-yard box. However, the Blues were made to work hard for all three points and eventually doubled their lead in the 90th minute through Miedema, who blasted the ball home after Kerolin's cross was headed directly into her path.

Brighton, though, set up a tense finish by getting themselves on the scoresheet just two minutes later when Charlize Rule swept the ball home from inside the box after City failed to clear a corner.

Reviewing his side's victory, Cushing said: "After a very tense period, and a hugely competitive period against Chelsea, in the three competitions we played - the three points was the main objective today and I thought we played well in patches.

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"I thought we defended well throughout the game. The commitment and the desire to take the three points today was something I'm really proud of."

Kelly makes Arsenal admission after City exit

Lionesses star Chloe Kelly has admitted she is "enjoying my football" after joining Arsenal from City in January. The winger joined the Londoners on loan for the remainder of the season after struggling for opportunities at the Joie Stadium in the first half of the campaign.

She has since found her rhythm again, earning regular game time and helping the Gunners progress to the Champions League semi-finals. She has also boosted her chances of making the England squad for this summer's European Championship.

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Chloe Kelly is loving life back at Arsenal. (Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images. )

Kelly, speaking ahead of England's Nations League clash with Belgium this Friday night, said: "I knew I needed to get minutes in my tank and I've definitely done that, so I'm playing with a smile on my face.

"Every decision you make you look back on and hope that it works out for you, and right now I'm enjoying my football and playing plenty of minutes."

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Berrada sends message to United fans

Chief executive Omar Berrada is urging United supporters to show their support for the club's women's team ahead of the latter stages of the season. Currently third in the WSL and seven points clear of fourth-placed City, United are in a strong position to qualify for next season's Champions League.

As well as that, they also have an FA Cup semi-final to come. And with that and a Manchester derby at Old Trafford to come on May, Berrada wants to see as many fans as possible get behind Skinner and his players.

He told MUTV: "We have big games coming up against Man City in the FA Cup and the derby at Old Trafford. We are looking to host a big crowd for that and giving the team a final push they need to make it in the top spots and qualify for the Champions League next season.

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"We need to really show the support for this team, for the incredible season they are having and it's really incumbent on us to be there to help them."

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