Skinner says English teams face 'much harder' Champions League task

Marc Skinner has questioned the Women's Champions League qualifying format as Manchester United prepare for a historic clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Having finished in the Women's Super League's European places for the first time last season by taking the runners-up spot, United will vie over two legs with PSG for progress to the group stage, with the first taking place at Leigh Sports Village on Tuesday.

The tie is one of five in the league path of the second qualifying round, which also features two-time winners and last season's runners-up Wolfsburg.

Meanwhile, there are also seven champions path ties involving sides who won their leagues in 2022-23.

United boss Skinner told a press conference: "I think teams in England have a much harder qualification route than other teams — but I'm sure PSG wouldn't want to be playing us right now.

"But when I look at some of the teams that are going to make the [group stage] from the other section, it just doesn't seem right. There are some teams that are playing each other where I'm thinking it's almost a free hit.

"We could have got Wolfsburg as well, Real Madrid. I do think they are all tough teams in this side.

"I think sometimes teams that finish third and fourth are way better than some champions from other leagues and unfortunately that is just the way it sits."

Skinner — whose side are aiming to join automatically-qualified WSL champions Chelsea in the group stage — also indicated he would have preferred playing at home in the second leg rather than the first but says he is relishing Tuesday's contest.

He said: "In theory, it could be [the biggest match in the team's history] but in reality, it's another game and we're going to treat it like that.

"I'm going to enjoy it. This is our reward from last season, to go against a super opponent that has loads of experience in this tournament and not to fear them — that's exciting for me."