Marc Skinner: Manchester United Women boss criticises ‘crazy’ Champions League qualification rules
Manchester United boss Marc Skinner called for changes to the qualifying rules and criticized the referee after his side failed to reach the group stages of the Women’s Champions League.
The Women’s Super League side were defeated 3-1 in the second leg of their second round qualifying match against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, eventually finishing 4-2.
Skinner felt it was a difficult draw for United, while other clubs might have been given an easier passage.
“It’s crazy that we have to play PSG in this qualifying round, crazy,” he said.
“It has to be something that is addressed. That said, we will learn from it. We will come back stronger. We got a taste of it.
“I’m going to make sure that we are driven to ensure that we are a permanent fixture in the Champions League.”
United gave themselves hope when Lisa Naalsund canceled out Lieke Martens’ opener to level early in the second half.
Yet Martens responded quickly with her second of the match and a third from Sandy Baltimore secured PSG’s victory.
United battled on and Skinner was furious when Leah Galton controversially had a header disallowed for a foul on goalkeeper Katarzyna Kiedrzynek.
Manchester United have failed to qualify for the group stage of the Women’s Champions League
Skinner said further MUTV: “We scored a goal that should be in effect. It’s ridiculous. If that’s the standard of the referee at this level, it’s not good enough.”
“That is a goal and we are in the race to achieve more. We were put in an intimidating situation and we were the better team.
“That’s all a credit to our players and it shows everyone in Europe what they’re going to get used to in the coming years because we’re definitely growing as a team and going where we want to be. We’re not going.” to let anyone get in our way.”
Skinner is confident his team will bounce back.
He said: “We have to learn from tonight and we have to answer for our mistakes.
“If we do that, we will grow again and again and then there will be no team that can touch us. We can enter Europe and dominate.”
What’s next?
Manchester United return to WSL action on Sunday as they face Everton away at Walton Hall Park; starting at 1 p.m.