Skinner full of praise for Lewes pushing for equal slice of the pie

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner has praised Lewes' request for equal prize money ahead of Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final clash with the Women's Super League title contenders. 

Skinner's support comes after the Championship side submitted an open letter calling for parity in the men's and women's tournaments.

Lewes highlighted the £45,000 in prize money they have earned after winning three games is significantly less than the £450,000 handed to men's teams entering in the third round.

And Skinner, 39, said: "Coming from grassroots as well I commend Lewes for their open voice and raising it because I think we're never going to change anything unless we've raised the issues we're going through.

"I support the growth of women's football and I support the Lewes message in terms of what we can continue to grow and the speed in which we're growing.

"I would hope we maintain that from a funding perspective and increase that, so I commend all of the girls at Lewes and everybody fighting hard behind the scenes to work for equality and equity because we're part of that and we've got to do our job as well."

Lewes' letter was addressed to former England midfielder Karen Carney, who has been commissioned by the UK government to look at the standards of the women's professional game across the football pyramid.

Skinner acknowledged the responsibility for raising the profile of the women's game falls on the shoulders of those both inside and outside the sport.

He added: "There is a responsibility for everybody involved inside, but also watching, to keep growing it so we can keep supporting every player playing within the two divisions and below. 

"If we don't keep funding grassroots, where do the next stage of England players and Lionesses beyond come in?

"For us it's about playing our part, making sure we make football as visible as possible to make sure we keep growing the audiences so that can cascade to everybody. 

"But we all have to play our part. I'm hopeful and I've seen positive signs we are progressing.

"Everybody wants it quickly of course and hopefully we can fast forward that as we get more visibility."