Man Utd boss Skinner defends 'important' fans after strong complaints about club security guard

Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner has defended the club's supporters after claims they were asked to refrain from certain chants at a recent friendly with PSV Eindhoven.

An article last week in The Athletic stated a club security guard had approached disgruntled fans during the half time break after they began chanting "we want Skinner out" which led United fans to issue a complaint to the club.

"Fans voices are the most important thing in the game. It has the chance to drive standards of football - women's or men's. - I would never stop anyone singing what they want to sing. That is the beauty of football, opinion is what drives the game. Everyone's voice is super important" said Skinner when quizzed on the chants in his pre match press conference.

"My focus is on getting the best out of the team. The more we increase the numbers and support, you're always going to have different thoughts and scopes. What I love about our fans is that regardless of their individual thoughts and opinions - they support this team and the development of this team. I'm here to supply good football but winning football for our fans - and if they have different opinions on the way, they're always welcome. Everybody is welcome to their opinion" he added.

Skinner praised the Red Devils fanbase, citing them as "the best in the world" though admitted it would be impossible to please all of them. That said, Skinner reiterated that he is confident that he is the right man to lead his team to success now and in the future.

"I'm 100 per cent confident in my ability and the team's ability. We've had a lot of change this year but I welcome that. The fans that have a different opinion - we agree on different areas - but you might not always agree on everything and that's okay.

"Not every player agrees with everything you do, not every staff member does, in sport high level, conflict is part and parcel of what you do. From my perspective, when you set up a team and become a manager you have to be fully focussed on what the team can do. I want to please the fans by putting trophies in front of them but then you know what happens? People still don't like your style of play - you can never please everyone. If you try, you go down a real winding path that you're never going to win on.

"I want Manchester United fans to know that I give absolutely everything every day, my players know that and I'm here to win and give energy to this team. From my perspective, I have confidence that this team can do that and that I'm the right person to do that. Conflict is healthy. We have a massive fanbase and they are the best."

Manchester United return to competitive action this Sunday as they welcome third tier Newcastle United in the Women's FA Cup. Kick off is scheduled for 12pm at Leigh Sports Village.