MARC SKINNER insists Manchester United belong on Europe’s biggest stage following their 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in the Women’s Champions League.
And the United chief believes the 16-team contest is ready for expansion after labelling their qualifier duel quarter-final worthy.
ReutersMelvine Malard bagged her second goal for Manchester United this term moments after being subbed on against Paris Saint-Germain[/caption]
AlamyMary Earps shone in goal for Man United as they held PSG to a 1-1 draw[/caption]
GettyA round two second-leg win against PSG next Wednesday would see Man United reach the Women’s Champions League group stage[/caption]
Melvine Malard’s late leveller helped the Red Devils share the spoils on their first outing in the contest on Tuesday night.
The super sub, who joined the club this summer on loan from Lyon, headed Millie Turner’s cross home in the 70th minute.
Her finish denied the visitors an away win via Tabitha Chawinga’s opener with United battling back and coming close to clinching victory.
The result leaves the Red Devils’ battle to reach the tournament’s group stage finely poised before next Wednesday’s round two second-leg decider at Parc des Prince.
United boss Skinner said: “Melvine has been fantastic. Her personality is vibrant and she injects that into everyone she talks to.
“She had a small injury that we’ve had to manage. Being at Lyon so long, I’m sure she’d love to go to Paris and win the game.”
On if the contest should be increased beyond 16 teams at the group stage, Skinner added: “If (Man Utd vs PSG) isn’t as good as a quarter-final in the actual tournament, I don’t know what you’re going to get.
“I’m seeing teams playing (in qualifiers), no disrespect, that we would beat and they’re playing (each other) to get into the Champions League proper.
“That, to me, is strange. This is my feeling on Manchester City last season when they played Real Madrid – that is a super game.
“It needs to be looked at because there needs to be better teams getting into the competition proper.
“PSG have been in two finals and yet we’re playing them in a qualifying game.
“We have four or five in this country that could play in the Champions League and so it’s definitely ready to expand.”
Among the home crowd who watched United fight back after being dominated in parts of the first half was England boss Sarina Wiegman.
Coming into the game, the hosts were on a run of nine games unbeaten at home in the WSL.
And their opponents have had a mixed start to their own domestic season with two wins and two losses across all competitions following turmoil off the pitch.
This included former head coach Gerard Precheur, 63, quitting last month with son and former assistant Jocelyn now in charge of the team.
PSG got off to a flier against the Red Devils with Skinner opting not to start Malard, Geyse and Hinata Miyazawa in his attack.
A Mary Earps shot-stopping masterclass – watched by Wiegman and ex-Man United Prem goalkeeper David de Gea – helped keep the visitors at bay.
Among her finest saves was a parried clearance of Sandy Baltimore’s rifled 20th-minute shot.
AlamyTabitha Chawinga impressed in PSG’s attack and gave them a second-half lead before the hosts levelled[/caption]
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 53rd minute courtesy of Tabitha Chawinga’s flicked effort.
But the hosts were rewarded for their improved display in the second spell, with Geyse adding more steel to their attack.
And Malard bagged her second goal in two United appearances ahead of their second-leg duel in France on October 18.
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