Marc Skinner expects Manchester United to “give absolutely everything” when they host Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Thursday night.
Skinner’s side scored three goals in a shutout win in Spain, but the United boss is expecting a different type of competition in England, where the visitors know they will have to step up their attack if they hope to book a last-16 date against Bayern Munich.
The hosts are in excellent form after beating London City Lionesses 2-1 in the Women’s Super League on Sunday to make it seven straight wins in all competitions, but Skinner is not letting United’s aggregate advantage influence their prospects.
“There’s no balance,” Skinner said. “We have to go and win the game. Atlético showed their quality in the first leg. I felt we were ruthless when we needed to be.
“The reality is that we are preparing to win the game. We have to give everything. There is only one game that matters, and that is that one.
“If you win it, you are guaranteed a place. That’s the mentality. There is no 3-0, nor the cliché that it is 0-0, and we have to start the game correctly.”
Skinner revealed that the team has been plagued by illnesses affecting several players.
He is hopeful Jayde Riviere, who was sent off in the London City game, will be fit for selection, while the game comes too soon for England attacking midfielder Ella Toone.
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Anna Sandberg remains sidelined by a Skinner knee problem that will keep her out of action for, at worst, eight weeks.
Skinner added: “The reality is that we won’t be playing Bayern yet. We’re not thinking beyond tomorrow night and we’ll be ready to do our job.”
Otherwise, everything is up for grabs as Juventus host Wolfsburg after the teams drew 2-2 in the first leg.
