Skinner Tells United Women: Feet on the Gas, No Pint-Pulling Against Atleti Just Yet!

Alright, lads, grab a stool at the pub because Manchester United's gaffer Marc Skinner is dishing out some proper no-nonsense chat ahead of their UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout showdown with Atlético Madrid. The Red Devils women are sitting pretty with a 3-0 lead from the first leg, but Skinner's not cracking open the champagne. Nah, he's got his lasses laser-focused on Thursday night's second leg at Leigh, where they've got to host the Spanish firecrackers and seal the deal.

Picture this: United romped to that three-goal cushion away from home, showing real ruthlessness when it mattered. Atlético had their moments, mind – they can play a bit – but United were clinical. Now, back on home turf, Skinner reckons the pitch won't be as dodgy, so expect a different vibe. 'We've got to go out and win this one proper,' he says in the pre-match presser, as reported by WSL Full-Time at OneFootball. No sitting back on the laurels, no half-arsed defending. It's all guns blazing, treat it like a 0-0 and start sharp as a tack.

I mean, fair play to the man – he's got Sunday's massive Adobe Women’s FA Cup clash at Chelsea looming like a hangover after a big night out. But Skinner's bang on: one game at a time, yeah? 'Business as usual,' he stresses, but with crystal-clear heads on how to stick it to Atlético. No complacency in this camp. 'We don't do that lark,' he laughs off. Instead, it's process, focus, logical thinking – none of that emotional rollercoaster. Respect for the opponents, sure, but United's got the tools to find ways to win.

And here's the juicy bit: Atlético need miracles – four goals without reply, minimum – so they'll have to chuck bodies forward. That spells spaces for United to exploit, like a leaky defence at closing time. Skinner’s licking his chops: 'If they open up, we utilise it. Their gaffer liked their second-half graft last time, so expect more of that, but we've got the attack and defence to shut it down.' Smart lad, that Skinner. Negate their push, hit on the counter – classic.

Let's rewind a sec for context, because this ain't just any old tie. The UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout play-offs are brutal, and United's women are on the cusp of a proper run. They've come a long way since their inaugural WSL season, building a squad that's tough as old boots but silky when it counts. Atlético? Seasoned pros, no mugs – they've got La Liga pedigree and Champions League know-how. That first-leg masterclass in Spain was United saying, 'We're here now.'

Skinner's mindset is gold dust for his players. Imagine the dressing room: no smug vibes, just hunger. 'Give everything,' he demands. Win this, and you're through – simple as. It's the kind of clarity that turns good teams into great ones. And with Chelsea waiting in the FA Cup? Pressure's on, but handle Atleti right, and momentum's yours.

Pub debate time: Can United keep the clean sheet and bag another couple? Or will Atlético spark a comeback to rival Leicester's Premier League miracle? My pint's on United grinding it out 2-0, spaces exploited, job done. Skinner's prepped 'em logical-like – no emotional traps.

Kick-off's 8pm Thursday at Leigh Sports Village. If you're not there, tune in – this could be the night United's women stamp their mark on Europe. No foot off the gas, lasses. Let's see that Red Devils roar echo across the continent. Cheers to Skinner for keeping it real – now, who's buying the next round?