Skinner plays down Russo concerns and insists silverware is focus

Marc Skinner is not worried about Alessia Russo’s contract situation as his main focus is on leading Manchester United to domestic silverware this season.

United sit top of the Women’s Super League and are into the FA Cup semi-finals, but looming in the background is the uncertainty of several players' futures at the club beyond the end of the campaign.

The deals of both England striker Russo, who attracted a world-record bid from Arsenal reported to be around £500,000 in January which United rejected, and Spain full-back Ona Batlle expire this summer.

While Skinner revealed talks are continuing in the background with the important duo, the United boss said his job and that of all his players is to focus on a crucial next few matches.

He said: "I wouldn't say [the contract situations of Russo and Batlle] goes to the level of concern because as a collective we're in a really important moment of the season which these players will play a massive part in.

"There's a lot of love from those players towards the club and obviously from the club towards those players. We're hopeful and working hard behind the scenes.

"What I've stayed very clear on and why they're still performing like they are is it's about the team. 

"My job is to put myself aside and work for this team, the players' job is to put themselves aside and work for the team.

"That looks like trying to progress to an FA Cup final. We've already gone one stage further than we ever have so now we have to put all our energy into doing that. 

"And then we’ve got really important games to not only finish potentially in the Champions League but try to challenge for the league."