England star Grace Clinton one of four players to miss Man Utd's crucial Champions League qualifier against PSV amid transfer links to bitter rivals Man City

Striker Rachel Williams, winger Leah Galton and two-time European champion Fridolina Rolfo, who joined the Red Devils this summer as their marquee signing of the window, are all ruled out of Wednesday's game, while Clinton has a niggle that looks also to keep her on the sidelines. All four missed the team's final pre-season friendly last week, a 2-2 draw with Liverpool, though the good news is that France forward Melvine Malard is back available having been on the sidelines for that match.

Clinton's knock comes amid links to Manchester City, with the Times reporting on Monday that United's bitter rivals are interested in a move for the England international, whose contract expires next summer. The report says City are keen to complete a deal before the Women's Super League transfer window shuts on September 4, though have not yet made a formal approach for the player.

Asked about the suggested interest in Clinton from Man City, Man Utd boss Skinner said on Tuesday: "Right now, I've not been told anything of the sorts. Look, I'm sure there are people interested in Grace, because she's a fantastic footballer, but the reality is, the club have not told me anything of that. As I am now, I am preparing for Champions League tomorrow and Grace is progressing nicely to being part of our squad going forwards."

As for incomings in the transfer window, Skinner is keen to add a couple more names to his squad before the deadline passes, especially if his team do make it through to the Champions League proper and have a demanding schedule to manage. Having already signed Bayern Munich midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme alongside Rolfo, United have since been heavily linked with a move for Germany forward Giovanna Hoffmann, but BBC Sport reported this week that talks had stalled on that front.

Asked about the situation there, Skinner said: "We need to bring forward in I think in this window, potentially two. I'm probably looking for two players in this window while we've got time left. Giovanna was one of those players that we looked at. I don't think right now, [with] the valuation, we're meeting in the middle. Right now that doesn't look like something that can happen. But again, I must stress we're looking in those forward areas, so we have an array of options and people we're looking at."

Man Utd face PSV on Wednesday in their first match of Champions League qualifying. If the Red Devils are victorious, they are likely to take on Hammarby, who made the group stage last season, on Saturday for a place in the third round of qualifying. They'll hope there is a chance of Clinton being available for that second fixture and indeed the rest of the 2025-26 season, with a new deal for the England star needing to be a top priority if they can fight off interest from elsewhere.