Skinner urges trophy-hunting United to make their Marc

Marc Skinner wants Manchester United to embrace the pressure of the end-of-season run-in as they attempt to venture into uncharted territory.

United were formed just under five years ago and are yet to get their hands on major silverware. 

But they top the Women's Super League and can reach a maiden FA Cup final this weekend by overcoming Brighton. 

While accepting there will be more scrutiny and attention on his players than ever before, Skinner has told them to relish the moment. 

The United boss, 40, said: "We're going to enjoy the amount of pressure that will naturally come with a team like us and what we're trying to achieve.

"And I'll stress that's a really positive thing. If we weren't trying to be successful, there's probably no pressure. We try to enjoy ourselves and perform the way we do.

"The reality is if we perform to the best of our ability, we can beat any team in this league."

With Brighton bottom of the WSL and having been thrashed 4-0 twice by United this season, Skinner's side are favourites to book a trip to Wembley to face Aston Villa or Chelsea on May 14. 

But he will not underestimate the struggling Seagulls, who appointed American Melissa Phillips as head coach last week. 

He added: "It will be a challenge because it's a new manager. We're going into a semi-final where league form doesn't really matter.

"We have to earn our right to be there. We are not expecting anything easy against Brighton. We won't be taking them lightly at all."