´We had to defend for our lives´ – Skinner hails ´dangerous´ Man Utd after defeating Atletico

Marc Skinner warned that Manchester United are a “dangerous team to play against” after they dug in to earn a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Women’s Champions League.

Fridolina Rolfo’s maiden United goal secured all three points to make it two wins from two for Skinner’s side, but it was a nervy affair in the Spanish capital.

Both sides finished the match with 10 players; Dominique Janssen was shown a straight red card shortly before half-time, but the numbers were evened out in the 74th minute by Alexia Fernandez’s second yellow.

United faced 15 shots in the second half, with Atletico generating 1.2 expected goals (xG), and Phallon Tullis-Joyce had to make six saves overall to preserve her clean sheet.

And Skinner was thrilled with the defensive resilience that his side showed to keep their perfect record.

“We had to defend for our lives in the second half,” Skinner told Disney+.

“We started the game really well, and we should have scored a couple of goals. Then we had to withstand the Atleti attack in the second half.

“Even when we went down to 10 players, we still had chances. To withstand the pressure for as long as we did, and still create chances, showed our character.

“We’re a dangerous team to play against. Any opponent looking at us will think it’s not going to be easy.”

United are unbeaten in all competitions this season, and Rolfo is proud to be a part of such a well-performing unit.

“I’m super happy to be here, to make an impact and help the team,” Rolfo told ESPN.

“A lot happened. Mentally, we had to be prepared… I’m very proud of the team.”

Atletico head coach, Victor Martin, meanwhile, saw plenty of positives to take from the defeat.

“We saw an Atletico with identity, believing until the end,” he said.

“We had bad luck with the sending off. We’re doing a lot of things well.”