Manchester United boss Marc Skinner praises players after West Ham win

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner believes his side’s mentality has turned a corner after a comfortable 2-0 away win over West Ham in the Barclays Women's Super League.

After dominating possession and territory in the first-half, Lucia Garcia grabbed her first goal for the club five minutes after the break.

Hannah Blundell followed suit to give the visitors breathing space five minutes later and despite a controversially disallowed West Ham goal, Skinner’s side cruised home with the three points.

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And he believes the gutsy performance is evidence his side have flicked a switch in their mindset after three straight fourth-place finishes in the WSL.

“With the ball, we’re dominant. We’re trying to score. We’re trying to win the game and hopefully people see that,” said Skinner.

“When you watch our Manchester United team, we want to be the team that tries to win the game and that’s the difference this season: our mentality.

“All round, I’m pleased with our energy and commitment. It shows another mental step for us.”

And Skinner was equally impressed with the way his defence protected England’s Euro-winning goalkeeper Mary Earps, who recorded a second successive clean sheet.

He said: “Mary’s not had much to do despite all their huff and puff in front of goal. What she does is she calms us from the back and allows us to defend. I thought our defenders were excellent today.”

The Red Devils travel to Aston Villa in the The FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup next Saturday, which may give Skinner the opportunity to take a look at players who’ve found their chances limited thus far.

“Next up we have Aston Villa, who have had two great results themselves, so for us, we’ve got to make sure