Stoney expecting tough test with fellow strugglers
JUST two games into their maiden season in the Women’s Super League, Casey Stoney’s United side find themselves propping up the table after back-to-back defeats.
Consecutive 1-0 losses mean they go into today’s meeting with fellow strugglers Liverpool, who are also yet to pick up a point, desperate to get off the mark.
However, although the league table suggests United are struggling to get to grips with life in the top flight, the truth is quite the opposite.
The fixture generator couldn’t have been tougher on Stoney’s side, pitting them against City and Arsenal, last season’s champions and runners-up respectively, in their opening two fixtures.
“We couldn’t have had a harder start to the season,” Stoney told M.E.N. Sport. “City at the Etihad, for 45 minutes, I thought we were the better team.
“I think we had a couple of chances in the first half and even a shout for a penalty, I think if we make the most of that and go in with a lead I think it’s a different reflection on the game.
“Against Arsenal, defensively I thought we were very good, we needed to use the ball better in possession.
“We’re talking about two 1-0 defeats, fine margins, and it’s our first season in the WSL and we’ve played two of the best teams in England and in Europe, arguably, so I have to be very pleased with where we’re at.”
Liverpool, theoretically, should pose United less of a threat. They finished eighth in the table last season and currently find themselves just one place above United, purely on alphabetical order.
Stoney, though, won’t be taking anything for granted.
“It’s going to be a really tough game,” she added.
“They’ll be absolutely desperate to pick up points, we know we need to get points on the board as well.
“There’s a big rivalry between the two clubs so it’s going to be a very difficult game. It would mean a lot to win.
“We need a consistent 90-minute performance. If we get that, I’ve got no doubt that we can get the result.”
United defender Millie Turner echoes her manager’s sentiments, adding: “There are no easy games so we’re not expecting it to be easy.
“They are a very physical side, they like to get the ball down and play.
“We’re expecting a good game, obviously it’s always going to be a big game against Liverpool when you’re at Manchester United but we’re ready for it.
“It would be unbelievable to get the win.”