A Look Ahead To Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton come into this fixture in outstanding form, aiming to make it five consecutive wins. What looked like a difficult start against Manchester City turned into a dramatic 90-minute thriller, with Brighton coming from behind to beat the league leaders 3-2 at home. Earlier this month, they also knocked 14-time winners Arsenal out of the Women’s FA Cup.
Speaking ahead of the match, Marc Skinner highlighted the threat Brighton possess, particularly experienced forward Fran Kirby. “I’ve got a lot of love for Fran — her ability to find space and make things happen in tight areas out of nowhere. But not just her, Brighton have lots of amazing and dangerous players.”
This will be no easy task for Skinner’s side, who have struggled for results in recent weeks. Their hopes of securing a Champions League qualification spot are now in serious doubt unless results elsewhere go Manchester United’s way.
Criticism Too Harsh?
Following a disappointing run of form, Marc Skinner has come under growing pressure, not only from the media but also from sections of the Manchester United fanbase, some of whom feel his five-year spell at the club may be nearing its end.
However, Skinner remains confident in his position. “I’m absolutely the man for the job, no doubt.
“From my perspective, there have been highs and lows, but we are fully focused on getting the team to where we want to be.”
Unlike the men’s side, where managerial changes and interim appointments have become common, Manchester United Women have had just two managers since the team’s reformation in 2018.
Casey Stoney left with a win percentage of 67.53%, while Skinner, having managed around 50 more games, including Champions League and higher-level cup fixtures, currently sits at 62.90%.
Could a change come this summer? Skinner does not believe so, insisting he retains the backing of the club hierarchy.
“Yeah, absolutely. We are all aligned, there’s no doubt about that.
“Whatever people say about me, I have to focus on performances and I’ve always done that. I’m always honest and truthful.
“The reality is, the noise is always going to be there at Manchester United. People have their opinions and are entitled to do so, but my job is to focus on the team and get back to winning ways against Brighton.
“That’s not me dodging the question, that’s just me being honest. We have to get back to putting energy into our performances.”
Marc Skinner Talks Leah Galton
Leah Galton will be honoured at Manchester United’s final home game of the 2025/26 season at Leigh Sports Village.
After making 128 appearances for the Red Devils, Galton — one of the founding members of the reformed 2018 squad — is expected to seek a new club this summer.
Skinner paid tribute to the winger and the impact she has had on the club. “She deserves to be honoured for everything she’s given to the club.“I’ve never met a winger like Leah, who can push and run all game. She has made a massive impact on the club, and she will always be welcomed back with her family because she has created a real legacy here. “Whatever people say about me, I have to focus on performances and I’ve always done that. I’m always honest and truthful.”
Team News
Leah Galton will hope to feature in her final home game for United. An ongoing back issue has kept her sidelined recently, but the problem appears to have eased. A late fitness test tomorrow will determine her availability.
Elisabeth Terland and Dominique Janssen have returned to grass training but will not be available for selection. Skinner is hopeful both could return for the Chelsea match.
Ella Toone, Anna Sandberg and Ellen Wangerheim are all expected to be in the matchday squad as they continue building match fitness after making second-half appearances last week.
