Man Utd news: Boss discusses Liverpool clash, links to Norway star and goalkeeper’s contract

The return of the WSL is on the horizon as Manchester United return to Leigh Sports Village to take on Liverpool in a game that could see Marc Skinner’s side leap back into the top two.

United’s head coach spoke ahead of the game and answered a number of questions, including links to Lisa Naalsund, the departure of Lucy Staniforth and player contracts.

Here is what Skinner said in the run up to Sunday’s game.

On the challenge of Liverpool this Sunday

“Well I hope it is as rivalled as the men’s team going forward. We know how well Matt (Beard) has them organised. This could be a really huge fixture and what that takes is the more and more experience you have of these games, it creates that history. We are building that history, but it doesn’t mean it is a game we don’t look forward to and it is a game we have to give everything for.

“Going forwards in the future, I do believe this will be a game this game will be very much the same as the men’s rivally.”

On Mary Earps’ contract situation

“The option (for extension) is on the club's side. We actioned the conversation with Mary as well about re-negotiation too. It is something that we are looking towards. She has been excellent for us and she is someone I personally have a lot of time for. When we have the update on that, we will give you that. She's a huge part of what we do.”

On allowing Lucy Staniforth to leave earlier this week

“She had six months left on her contract. Lucy’s time was becoming a bit less and less and we agreed in this moment that option was the best for both the club and the player.

“In reality, it will work out to be fine for both. With such a limited time left on her contract and limited playing time. I wish her all the very best and our job is not to look at what Aston Villa do, it is to look at what we do to be honest and what we do in this window. Everything will be revealed hopefully.”

On players who haven’t had much game time in the first half of the season

“The reality is everybody plays their part. Just because you don’t see it in the 90 minutes on the field, everyone is playing their part.

“Sometimes increasing the competition increases the output of everybody else, so for us I think that is what we planned to do in the summer. It is very difficult with the amount of games that we have to consistently play everybody and rotate. I try to respect each player and listen to them.

“We have exceptionally talented people that want to play so I get that. That is the hardest part of my mind. The reality is you keep them focussing. They can only control the process, they can’t control the decisions that I make.

“It’s just giving them clarity as to where they are at and being honest with them, but also what we do very well here is we also work them everyday to try and make them better at things we need them to be better at.”

On links to Norway star Lisa Naalsund, with reports the club have made a bid for the Brann midfielder

“I don't talk about individual players. Lucy Staniforth has gone out, so we are looking at a poition in midfield. I promise you that if we do bring a player in, I'll take extensively about them."