Manchester United: 'All or nothing - why haven't Marc Skinner's side pushed on?'

[CharlieH]

 

 

It's all or nothing for Manchester United's season when they play their Women's FA Cup semi-final on Sunday - but why has their campaign been such a disappointment so far?

Marc Skinner's side exceeded many people's expectations in 2022-23 by finishing runners-up in the Women's Super League after challenging for the title until the final day, and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time.

 

This season, however, they are fourth - 15 points behind leaders Manchester City with four games to go - and look unlikely to catch third-placed Arsenal and make it back into Europe.

 

• Skinner wants to 'build success' at Man Utd

 

 

It's not just United's results that have been underwhelming, it's some of their performances as well.

I wanted to explore why, so I started thinking about why they were so effective last year, and looking at how good they are at the same things now.

Why are they conceding more goals?

The most obvious area where United have dropped off since last season is at the back.

They are still scoring an average of more than two goals in every WSL game, but the rate at which they are conceding has more than doubled - from 0.55 goals per game, to 1.28.

 

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