Manchester United coach Marc Skinner likened striker Melvine Malard to Eric Cantona, praising her persona and ability to handle pressure. Malard’s form has been key, scoring four goals in two WSL games. United face Brann in a crucial Champions League qualifier, aiming to advance despite Millie Turner’s injury.
Manchester United's head coach, Marc Skinner, has drawn a striking comparison between the team's dynamic striker, Melvine Malard, and the iconic Eric Cantona. Skinner highlighted the Frenchwoman's unique persona and ability to handle pressure, drawing parallels with the legendary former Manchester United forward. This comparison comes at a crucial time, as Manchester United prepares for a decisive Women's Champions League qualifier.
The Red Devils are currently trailing 1-0 in their tie against Norwegian side Brann. However, they received a significant morale boost following a dominant 5-1 victory over London City Lionesses in the Women’s Super League (WSL) on Sunday. Malard played a pivotal role in that win, scoring two goals and showcasing the form that has earned her the Cantona comparison.
Malard's impressive start to the WSL season has seen her become the league's leading goalscorer with four goals in the first two games. This total already equals her entire WSL goal tally from the previous season, highlighting her rapid improvement and growing influence within the team. Skinner lauded the 25-year-old as an "extremely talented player" and emphasized the factors contributing to her recent success.
"She now understands the language happily, so it’s easier to translate quicker in-game for her, so she can get instruction, take it on board, and perform it," Skinner noted, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding in Malard's development. The ability to quickly grasp instructions and implement them on the field has undoubtedly contributed to her increased effectiveness.
However, Skinner believes there's more to Malard's success than just tactical understanding. "I’d also say, Mel is probably the most ‘Manchester United’ player I’ve ever met. And what I mean by that is, if I look and I go back – and this is a big shout – to the Eric Cantona kind of personalities; she has that personality. She can carry pressure moments and do it with a smile. And I think that psychology is what stands her apart this season.” This mental fortitude and unwavering confidence are reminiscent of Cantona's impact at Old Trafford.
Skinner's comparison underscores the high regard he holds for Malard and the belief that she possesses the qualities to thrive under pressure and become a key figure for Manchester United. The comparison to Cantona, a player synonymous with success and charisma at the club, is a testament to Malard's potential.
Looking ahead, Manchester United faces a crucial test against Brann in the second leg of their Champions League qualifier. A victory would not only secure their place in the next round but also provide a significant boost as they continue their pursuit of silverware on both domestic and European fronts. If United knock out Brann they will be in Friday’s 11am BST draw for the new league phase of the Champions League. Arsenal and Chelsea are the WSL’s guaranteed representatives among the 18 clubs.
However, United will be without defender Millie Turner, who sustained a knee injury on Sunday. Skinner clarified that it was not an anterior cruciate, lateral collateral or medial collateral ligament injury. “We’re just looking at the knee cap,” he said. “She’s got another meeting towards the end of this week. But it’s not what people probably feared, which is good news, but once we’ve had this second opinion, we’ll discuss what it looks like.”
The absence of Turner will undoubtedly be a setback for United, but Skinner has expressed confidence in the depth of his squad and their ability to overcome this challenge. The focus will now be on finding a suitable replacement and ensuring that the team remains defensively solid against Brann's attacking threat. The team's resilience and adaptability will be tested, but with players like Malard leading the charge, Manchester United will be hoping to secure a positive result and progress in the Champions League.
The upcoming match against Brann represents a significant opportunity for Malard to further showcase her talent and justify the comparisons to Cantona. A decisive performance in this crucial fixture would solidify her status as a key player for Manchester United and demonstrate her ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.