Man Utd boss reveals when WSL super sub may start amid 'team building' claim

Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner has heralded the impact of super sub Rachel Williams after the striker scored yet another late goal in the 2-2 draw with Brighton at the weekend.

The 35-year-old striker has made a habit of scoring last gasp goals for the Red Devils since she joined in the summer of 2022 and many have called for her inclusion from the start, though Skinner was honest in his reasons as to why she will remain as a super sub - for now.

"I've known Rachel a long time but we also have to - and look, she's effervescent, she like a child running around a field - but she's also 35 years old," explained the United boss.

"I have nothing but, not only personal respect for her, but admiration for the way she plays the game. I'm more of a romantic, because I remember what it was like before we become professional and she was part and parcel of the reason I love football - the attitude to never give up and fight. It is what I build my teams around.

"Me and Rachel have a clear understanding. There's a chance, especially in the Continental Cup where we can get her minutes, but I want to make this clear as possible. You can't jump from playing 27 minutes to 90 minutes. The physical load if too much and if you risk her than you don't have the ability to bring her into games and change games. She's the best at it" added the 40-year-old boss.

Williams 98th minute leveller against Brighton on Sunday prevented Skinner's side from suffering their first league defeat of the season and is already the former Chelsea striker's second late goal of the campaign after her injury time winner against Aston Villa on the opening day of the season.

Manchester United welcome Everton to Leigh Sports Village tomorrow night as the attention switches to Continental Cup action after the side entered the competition following their elimination from the UEFA Women's Champions League last month and Skinner hinted that fans may get a glimpse of a rare start for Williams on Thursday night.

"Rachel knows where she's at, the reality is that it's more risk adverse for her so that we can actually keep her playing the important part she plays. Hopefully in the games coming up we may see a start but it would be unrealistic to think she could finish those games too.

"But there's a lot of love for her and admiration for what she does. I think everyone in the game admires her for her honesty and what she does. She has been magnificent, you'll continue to see her but it is about management and not overloading" said the United boss.