Man Utd women's boss Marc Skinner responds to escalating criticism amid sack fears

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner vowed to use the increasing pressure against him as "fuel rather than run away" as calls for the 40-year-old's departure from the club escalate.

United have endured a turgid season thus far, with their historic Champions League campaign ended in the qualification stages while hopes for the title have been all but dashed following a sobering 3-1 loss to reigning league champions Chelsea courtesy of Lauren James' hat-trick.

The defeat at Stamford Bridge leaves United with three league defeats already this season. No team has ever claimed the title with more than two losses.

The weekend's woes were exacerbated following a 2-1 Conti Cup group stage loss against Manchester City, in which a last-gasp goal from Nikita Parris could only provide a dash of consolation for a second successive defeat in the new year.

And ahead of the Red Devils' WSL clash with Aston Villa, Skinner responded to increasing criticism from a disillusioned fanbase.

"I genuinely mean this, there is no problem with pressure. It is part of the job. It does meant that amplifies at Manchester United, but so does the support. You can have it on both sides.

"Pressure is because everyone wants to do well and you can use it in certain ways. You can fear and run from it, or face it. We have to use it to fuel rather than run away."

Against Manchester City, a dearth in execution in front of goal undermined the positive play from United. Pressed on the missed opportunities, Skinner stressed a need to improve the team's mindset. "It's getting the headspace right to finish in the moment," he said. "We're getting into the moments and now we just have to take those chances."

Skinner has previously underlined the need for patience as an attack