Manchester United Women are hoping to make history tonight as they have the chance to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Manchester United Women host Atletico Madrid this evening in the second leg of the quarter-final play-offs. This is a crucial fixture for Marc Skinner’s side, with a chance to put United on the map and earn their spot in the quarter-finals, where they’d face Frauen-Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
United have performed fantastically in this Champions League campaign. With this being their first season qualified for the competition, they have certainly made their mark. They have won seven of their 11 games and finished 6th in the League phase.
The Reds are also in a stronger position this evening, coming back from their trip to Madrid with a three-goal lead after Elisabeth Terland, Melvine Malard and Julia Zigiotti put one past Madrid keeper Lola Gallardo.
Considering their position heading into tonight’s match, Marc Skinner expects big things from his team and is ready to make dreams a reality.
“We have to give everything,” says Skinner
United should be in high spirits this evening, coming off a win against London City Lionesses in the Women’s Super League on Sunday. The club is currently unstoppable, with a win tonight taking them to seven consecutive victories.
Although in a confident position, Marc Skinner is not allowing anyone on the team to become complacent, with the place in the quarter-finals not yet secured.
The 42-year-old shared that, “There’s no balance. We have to go to win the game. Atlético showed their quality in the first leg. I felt we were ruthless when we needed to be.”
“The reality is we’re preparing to go and win the game. We have to give absolutely everything. There’s only one game that matters, and it’s that game.
“If you win it, you’re guaranteed to go through. That’s the mindset. There isn’t any 3-0, not the cliche bit, it’s 0-0, and we have to start the game properly.”
Injury news ahead of the fixture
Tonight’s game may not come as easily for the Red Devils, with question marks over what players will be fit to appear on the squadsheet after a flood of injuries.
Ella Toone is confirmed to be sidelined, with the match coming just a bit too early for the midfielder, still yet to play in 2026 after a winter break hip injury.
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Skinner remains hopeful Jayde Riviere will be fit to return to the pitch after the Canadian international was forced off during their most recent clash against London City.
Anna Sandberg has also been forced to the sidelines after experiencing a knee injury, leaving her out of action for around eight weeks.
Skinner finished by stating, “The reality is we’re not playing Bayern yet. We’re not looking past tomorrow night, and we’ll be ready to do our job out there.”
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