Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner could not hide his admiration for stars Ella Toone and Mary Earps after his side’s 4-0 win over Brighton.
The Red Devils were in exhilarating form at Leigh Sports Village as they dismantled the Seagulls. A first half double from Toone combined with strikes from Leah Galton and Adriana Leon kept their WSL winning streak ticking.
And while it will be United’s attacking play that will take the bulk of the plaudits, a world class save from Earps in the first half was equally as breathtaking and Skinner waxed lyrical about the England stopper.
Skinner delighted with Toone and Earps
“I’ve known Mary a long time. You always knew she has something special,” he said.
“But since I have come back to England, the work Mary, Ian [Willcock] and the goalkeeping union have done within the club is magnificent.
Embed from Getty Images“That save is exceptional. It’s a good save, it looks great but her athleticism and her focus [to make it].
“Sometimes goalkeepers don’t have a lot to do, but when they are needed, they’re there. I couldn’t praise Mary highly enough because she is so, so focused.
“I mentioned the save in the huddle today. Her and Sophie Baggaley are laser-focused. They are exactly what we need right now.”
You can watch Earps’ save against Brighton below.
As for Euro 2022 hero Toone, the midfielder continued her spectacular opening to the campaign with a first half masterclass.
Toone provided two goals and an assist within 40 minutes as she tormented the Brighton defence, and boss Skinner could not contain his delight at her form.
“Ella has a great character. She’s a really good kid. She has a lot of my values as a person.
“The thing I love most about her is her ability to pivot so quickly forwards that it makes the defender think ‘should I press or should I not press.’ That is such a special characteristic of her play.
Embed from Getty Images“She’s one of those players we all want to see. I try to talk her down a little because I want to make sure she stays humble, but it’s very easy for her because she’s that kind of person.
“She’s a great, great player and a great quality for us.”
