Skinner hails returning Lionesses as Man Utd beat Liverpool

Marc Skinner hailed the return of England stars Ella Toone, Mary Earps and Katie Zelem as Manchester United secured a 3-1 pre-season win over Liverpool.

The Lionesses trio appeared for the first time since reaching the final of the Women's World Cup, with midfielder Toone on the scoresheet twice at Carrington.

Brazil international Geyse, one of United's five summer signings, added a third in the second half after Natasha Flint pulled one back for the visitors.

In-demand goalkeeper Earps and captain Zelem played the first 45 minutes and Skinner believes his senior stars will be vital in helping the new faces settle.

He said: "It's huge because it's not only their experience but the quality the three of them possess.

"They've been our best players for years. So now we've added quality to the squad, we're going to rely on them to lead our younger players.

"We've brought the age gap down in some of our signings so that we can have longevity for many years to come.

"They're going to be super important going into the first part of the season."

New faces impress

Japan star and World Cup Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa also got her first run-out since signing last week, coming on as a second-half substitute alongside goalscorer Geyse.

Skinner added: "[It was] a nice welcome to what we're trying to do [for the new signings]. 

"Hini in the spaces is going to be deadly. We just need to make sure she learns how we move — and that only comes with time.

"[There were] some really good individual performances. Geyse's goal in the second half is a really good finish. 

"From my perspective I can be happy that we can see the pieces coming together. We just need to make sure we get the time together to do that."

United travel to Aston Villa in their Women's Super League opener on October 1 and host Arsenal five days later.