Manchester United Women's hopes of a first Champions League group stage appearance were dashed as they lost 3-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their qualifier in Paris. Manager Marc Skinner criticised the tournament's qualifying format, stating that some teams progressing to the group stage are 'not good enough' and that it was 'crazy' to face PSG in the qualifying round.
The Women's Champions League qualifying stage is divided into two pathways, with only four teams – the defending champions and the winners of the three highest-ranked leagues – securing automatic places. United, who finished second in the Women's Super League last season, entered the league pathway and were drawn against two-time finalists PSG. 'We deserve to be at this level,' Skinner said. 'Teams going through are not good enough. Our standard is better.'
After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, United took the lead shortly after half-time through Lisa Naalsund, only for PSG to equalise 72 seconds later via Lieke Martens. Martens struck again after a swift counter-attack, and Sandy Baltimore added a third from a tight angle. United had a goal disallowed when Leah Galton headed in, but the referee ruled a non-existent foul on the goalkeeper.
Skinner expressed frustration over the lack of VAR: 'If you're going to draw teams together like PSG and Manchester United, you should have VAR.' United will now focus on the Women's Super League to try to qualify again next season. PSG progress alongside Paris FC, who beat Wolfsburg, while Glasgow City were eliminated by Brann.
