Perhaps the clearest indictment of United’s performance was their lack of threat in the final third. Skinner wants reinforcements in the attacking department, where depth has been stretched to breaking point.
“If I look at the way we attacked today, I felt we were a bit passive, I’m going to make sure we look at that as an area to support the fantastic work our players are already doing,” he said.
However, he made it clear that the management remains adamant to improve the women’s team and added: “The club care about the women’s team, I’ll be clear on that. Us identifying the right talent and bringing them in in the right moment is key. We’re working hard behind the scenes to do so. I have no doubt the club care. What we need to do is bring the right people in.”
The win moves City four points clear at the top of the Women’s Super League. United, meanwhile, remain in third, now seven points adrift of City and three behind Chelsea. For a team hoping to mount a genuine title challenge, the derby defeat represents a reality check. It is a reminder of the work still required to bridge the divide between themselves and England’s elite.