Marc Skinner Slams 'Absurd' Champions League Qualification Rules for Manchester United Women
Manchester United Women's boss, Marc Skinner, slams the crazy qualification rules after their loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Women's Champions League Unhappy with the referee's decisions, Skinner expresses frustration over the defeat in France What lies ahead for the team?
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner expressed the need for revised qualification regulations and expressed his disappointment with the referee following his team's failure to advance to the group stage of the Women's Champions League. In the second leg of the second-round qualifier against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, the Women's Super League side succumbed to a 3-1 defeat, resulting in a 4-2 aggregate loss.
Skinner felt it was a tough draw for United while other clubs may have been given an easier passage.
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"It's absolutely insane that we have to face PSG in this qualifying round," he exclaimed.
"This issue demands attention and action. With that being acknowledged, we will extract valuable lessons from this experience and bounce back with even greater determination. We have garnered a glimpse of what it takes."
"I will ensure our determination to establish a consistent presence in the Champions League."
United revived their chances when Lisa Naalsund equalized Lieke Martens' initial goal, bringing the score to 1-1 early in the second half.
Martens swiftly scored her second goal of the game, followed by a third by Sandy Baltimore, ensuring PSG's victory. Despite the setback, United continued to fight, causing Skinner's frustration to peak when Leah Galton's header was controversially disallowed due to a foul on goalkeeper Katarzyna Kiedrzynek.
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Manchester United's attempt to qualify for the group stage of the Women's Champions League has fallen short.
Skinner expressed his frustration on MUTV, stating, "We've scored a perfectly valid goal. It's absurd. The officiating at this level is subpar and unacceptable."
"We have achieved our goal and currently have the upper hand. Despite facing a challenging situation, we have proven to be the stronger team.
This credit is entirely due to our players, and it serves as a signal to the rest of Europe about what they can expect from us in the coming years. Our team is steadily improving and inching closer to our desired destination. We will not allow anyone to impede our progress."
Skinner is confident his team will bounce back.
He said: "We've got to learn from tonight and we've got to be accountable for our mistakes.
