Marc Skinner reveals Man Utd will consider NWSL players in January

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner has revealed that looking at any available NWSL players will form part of the club’s recruitment plan when the January transfer window opens.

Skinner was Orlando Pride head coach for two and a half years prior to being appointed by United in July and is aware that NWSL players looking for additional playing time before their 2022 regular season begins in mid/late May could provide a short-term boost for his squad.

One of the biggest things holding Skinner’s United back this season has been a lack of depth and therefore an inability to suitably rotate to keep players fresh.

The January window is therefore going to be important for a United side that is only two points off a Champions League place, having fallen agonisingly short of qualifying last season.

“We are trying to be active in this window if the right players come up that will match the kind of level of performance, as well as the good personality. I want this team to be so tight knit,” Skinner told Sky Sports as he looked ahead to next month.

“I do understand the American market, it is something I will definitely be looking at when we look to recruit, but it has to be the right person and it has to be the right time.”

United have previously recruited Tobin Heath and Christen Press from the NWSL. But Skinner also isn’t limiting the club’s radar to the NWSL, explaining the net has been ‘cast wide’ – the club recruited Vilde Boe Risa from Norwegian club Kvinner in the summer and have previously brought in players from clubs in Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Spain.

"I feel in the women's game that there are so many untapped talent streams that you can look at and say 'she can be really talented in a different setting' and that's the beauty,” Skinner continued.

“As our game grows more throughout Europe and throughout England, even players in the Championship, there will be players who can step up, they just need the opportunity to do that.

"We have cast our net wide and we will then narrow in. Over the next few weeks, we will tap away at who we want in. but we'll be rigorous and laser-focused on the right people in this window.

“If they become available, we've been given the support of the club to go and get the players that we feel can make the difference."

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