Man Utd manager Marc Skinner says club did not want to 'waste money' in transfer window

Manchester United did not want to waste money in the transfer window by bringing in the wrong players, says manager Marc Skinner.

The Women's Super League club did not sign any players in January.

Fourth-placed United are 10 points behind leaders Chelsea in the Women's Super League.

"From our perspective it wasn't the right moment to bring some of our targets in and we will continue to work," Skinner said.

"It's about bringing the right people in. In this moment, that wasn't the case and so the club and the team will not spend money that we waste, we don't want to waste money.

"We were in a position where the right people were not there but we are continuing to work towards the summer window and beyond."

Skinner was speaking at his first news conference since the club were controversially knocked out of the Women's League Cup.

United had originally been due to progress to the quarter-finals as one of the best second-placed sides in the group stage, but were eliminated after Aston Villa were penalised for fielding an an ineligible player.

Villa won their final Group A match 7-0 over Sunderland, but cup-tied defender Noelle Maritz played in the win.

Sunderland were subsequently awarded the victory and go through as group winners - with Villa progressing as one of the best runners-up, ahead of United on goal difference.

When asked about appealing against the decision, Skinner said: "I don't believe there's scope to challenge it. It's obviously disappointing but it's something we have to take. I don't believe we have the opportunity to have any input in it because we are not a team involved within that game. That's all we know.

"We're disappointed to be out but we will move on very quickly. I think it might inform future rules on the competition, but right here, right now, we're out. That's as it stands and I think simply we have to move on."

United host Brighton on Sunday in the WSL at 12:00 GMT.