'Fear it or face it' - Man Utd head coach comes out fighting as pressure ramps up on WSL boss' job

Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner remained defiant in the wake of increasing scrutiny on pressure on his role moved to fever pitch following the midweek defeat to rivals Manchester City.

The 40-year-old United boss has faced increasing fan pressure in recent weeks after the club fell 10 points behind leaders Chelsea in the race for the Women's Super League title, while the midweek defeat to City in the League Cup only amped the pressure further. However, the head coach insists the pressure comes with the territory.

"You often remember that we are all human. Honestly, and I genuinely mean this, there is no problem with pressure. Pressure is part of this job, it is amplified at Manchester United but so does the support. You can have it both sides. Pressure is because everyone wants to do well. You can use pressure in certain ways, you can fear and run from it or face it.

"If you watch how my team performed the other night against Manchester City, the result wasn't what we wanted, but we made seven changes and Manchester City made zero. Their frontline has been together for three years plus and have played many games together, mine are just learning how we click and connect. There aren't many teams who go to Manchester City and create that many chances, especially with seven changes. I tell you that, especially the quality of the chances.

"I'm more than happy with where my team are at. I'm so pleased with their attitude and energy. Pressure is a choice, it obviously isn't nice but we have to use it to fuel us rather than make us run away.

The Red Devils boss also offered an update on the club's current situation regarding their Continental Cup campaign. Skinner's side could face elimination from the competition after it was revealed that Aston Villa had fielded an ineligible player during their 7-0 group stage win over Sunderland during the week. If the Black Cats are to awarded three points due to Villa's error, it could see United exit the competition at the group stage.

"All I understand so far is that is it at a sports tribunal to see the result. That's all we know. I don't think we have a say in it even though it could directly effect us. I hope the right decision is made and it is not to the detriment to Manchester United. We've done everything we can to try and qualify from the most difficult group and hopefully the right decision is made and that doesn't scold Manchester United.

"I don't know how fast these tribunals work - I'd hope it is of priority" added the 40-year-old boss.

Manchester United actually face Aston Villa this Sunday (kick off 12pm) at Leigh Sports Village and Skinner also offered fans an injury update ahead of the weekend, saying: "I think the only one I need to get a check and update on is Jayde Riviere from the other day against Chelsea. Apart from that, I don't think anyone else took a knock. I'll update that if we need to but I think everyone is available just checking on Jayde.