Man Utd boss reveals what defender said to him following devastating injury news

Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner has revealed that summer signing Gabby George could be out for up to a year after rupturing her ACL against Leicester City on Sunday.

The full back is the second United signing to suffer the same fate following Emma Watson's injury and Skinner confirmed the devastating blow ahead of tomorrow's UEFA Women's Champions League qualifier against Paris Saint-Germain.

"It's an ACL and, of course, there's different degrees to ACLs. I think Gabby goes in today for an operation. I'd always put 12 months on an ACL and then we can work back from that" said the head coach.

"If you put it too early then there's a rush to get things back. If you put 12 months on and then we can cut backwards. If we prepare for that I think it is sensible. It is just making sure Gabby is in a really good space and that she feels loved and supported in this moment.

"It is a horrific injury for a footballer. We have wonderful modern medicine that can bring you back as good as you left the field. I've already spoken to Gabby the day of, yesterday and this morning - she's in good spirits.

"When I spoke to Gabby I said 'is there anything I can do for you?' and she said 'can you win in Paris?' - I was like 'okay, we will try Gabby!', but we are going to go as prepared as we possibly can be. We believe in ourselves" added the United boss.

Skinner takes his United side to the Paris Parc Des Princes tomorrow night knowing they must win to make it through to the UEFA Women's Champions League group stage after drawing with the French giant's 1-1 at Leigh Sports Village last week and admitted if they were to be victorious it would be a sign of just how far he has come.

"The way I have to approach it - and this is the mindset of any manager - it's a really big moment. It's a sad part of the job is actually you just have to treat it like business. It will be wonderful to be in that environment, to play against a top team in front of their fans, watching our away supporters. There's also those little romantic parts you feel but honestly, I will be fully focused on trying to win the game.

"When you're under pressure to do your job, you just get in the zone, you have to. If we win it and we go through, it will be a magical moment. But then we have a quick turnaround against Everton - it is going to be unforgiving.

"I'm sure when I reflect, it will be a huge moment in my career but also a sign of my personal progression. I've come a long way since Birmingham. I believe that I can be a top manager...but let's leave that until after the result and see what happens" he added.

Skinner also refused to be drawn on the club's latest takeover news after it was revealed Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim had withdrawn from the process to buy Manchester United on Sunday.

"In all honesty - and this is not my dodging the question - right now, I have a really big game to prepare for so I'm not going to comment on what would or can happen at the club

"Once it happens, I'm happy to comment and have a conversation around it but right now, I'm fully focussed on PSG. We fly today, so we then go into Paris and one of the biggest game we've ever played. That's my full focus now and we will address things as and when" said Skinner.