MARC SKINNER believes Manchester United are capable of beating any team as they bid to stun Paris Saint-Germain in the Women’s Champions League.
And Skinner hopes “raucous” Red Devils fans will bring the noise when PSG and their Ultras visit his side’s fortress tomorrow evening.
GettyGeyse is among the Champions League winners likely to feature for Man United in their clash with Paris Saint-Germain[/caption]
GettyMelvine Malard – on loan from Lyon – could also be in contention to feature in the game[/caption]
AlamyMarc Skinner’s side are likely to face a tricky test from PSG whose players include ex-Man United midfielder Jackie Groenen[/caption]
The rivals, who finished runners-up in their domestic divisions last term, will go to battle in the first-leg of a second round Champions League qualifier.
This year’s FA Cup finalists face a tough task of attempting to knock out a team who reached the contest finals twice in 2015 and 2017.
United boss Skinner, 40, said: “I’m under no illusions as to how difficult this is, but there’s something special about Manchester United and Champions League nights.
“I want to make sure we can do everything to get in there as that would be a really special moment.
“I think teams in England have a much harder qualification route than other teams.
“I’m sure PSG don’t want to be playing us right now. I believe we can beat any opponent.”
United’s duel with the French giants will see them come up against ex-Red Devils midfielder Jackie Groenen.
The Netherlands ace made 50 appearances for her former side before leaving the club last September.
However Skinner’s current squad includes three Champions League-winning stars in Nikita Parris, ex-Barcelona forward Jeyse and Melvine Malard, who is on loan from PSG’s French rivals Lyon.
A United victory over both legs would see the WSL title-chasers claim place in the draw for the competition’s last 16.
Skinner adds: “We know PSG have super talented players.
“However we’re getting to that stage where we can put players out on the pitch who have won the Champions League and that feels different to before.
“We need those players that will push all the standards of every player and I think Melvine is a perfect example.
“Geyse is exactly the same. And Nikita will be vital in our dressing room and 7 the field.
“We haven’t got an open cheque book, but gradually we are starting to add that type of player into our squad and that can only be a good thing for Manchester United.”
Tuesday’s match, which kicks off at 8:00 pm, will see Paris Saint-Germain’s famous Ultras come face-to-face with United’s lively supporters at Leigh Sports Village.
On if the tie should have been hosted at Old Trafford, Parris, 29, said: “Regardless of where we play, our fans come out in numbers and that’s the most important thing.
“We want our fans coming through the turnstiles, creating that atmosphere.
“I’m sure PSG will bring their fans, so it’s going to be a fan-off. I think ours are the loudest and proudest.”
Skinner added: “Our fans will bring the noise just as much as the PSG ultras I’m sure.
PASkinner says the experience of players like Nikita Parris who the contest with Lyon will be vital for the Red Devils[/caption]
“I’m fully expecting a raucous atmosphere that feeds both sets of players.
“But we can’t get swept away with the emotion from that.
“We need to use it to fuel us to run, to be energetic and win our one-on-one duels.”
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