READING FC WOMEN are looking to dent Manchester United’s hopes of European qualification when they meet on Saturday.
The Royals take on United in the Women’s Super League on Saturday at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports (11.30am kick-off).
Reading stopped a run of three straight losses in all competitions by holding Tottenham Hotspur to a goalless draw on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Man United are hot on the heels of second placed Chelsea after they thumped Leicester City 4-0 on Saturday.
Goals from Martha Thomas, Alessia Russo and a brace from Katie Zelem saw them move within a point of Chelsea having played two games more.
Marc Skinner’s side find themselves in a strong position of finishing inside the top three of the WSL which would see them secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
It has been a mixed run of form in the league for United who have beaten Spurs and Leicester and they held league leaders Arsenal to a 1-1 draw having led the game for well over an hour.
They fell to back-to-back Manchester derby defeats to Man City.
First up they lost 1-0 in the league after Caroline Weir’s superb late strike before they were knocked out of the FA Cup by their City rivals in a 4-1 thrashing which saw City come from a goal down to progress comfortably.
United took all three points when Kelly Chambers’ team travelled to Manchester in September near the beginning of the season
Kirsty Hanson and Ona Battle netted to give United the points.
Royals boss Chambers said: “We know Manchester United is on an excellent run of form, obviously pushing for that Champions League spot, so we know the challenge ahead with the quality of players they’ve got in all areas of the pitch.
“But for me, we need to build on what we’ve done.
“The second half against Arsenal we were pleased, this game we managed to carry on from that performance, and we have things to work on over the week ahead which we will have time to work on.
“On the whole, it’s been a tough season for us, the size of the squad initially before injuries and covid played their part, so it’s nice to have everyone back fit now.
“Analysing each game we’ve played, taking a piece from each game, and looking to improve in the next one.
“Taking what we’re pleased with, a few adaptions, and now the best thing is we’ll have time on the pitch to put these things into practice.”
