Man Utd set to spend! Marc Skinner vows to 'explore' transfer market in January as Mary Earps and Co look to close gap on Women's Super League leaders

The United manager reassured fans that the club will explore the transfer market in the January transfer window and will try to sign the "right players". Skinner even claimed that they are planning to raid the U.S. market in search of quality players as they are trying to bridge the gap with league leaders Chelsea.

A disappointing defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Manchester City in the first derby of the season further increased the gap between the Red Devils and the Blues. Meanwhile, Chelsea's 4-1 win over Liverpool took their points tally to 19, seven more than Skinner's side.

Speaking to reporters, Skinner said: "For sure, we'll be exploring, whether it's the NWSL or other areas also out of season. I don't think I've stood still ever since I've been here. If you look at my recruitment, we've moved every season because we have to bridge this gap that we've been put into based on only being around five seasons. We don't use that as an excuse. We're building and bridging, trying to invest and progress. Yes, we're looking in this window. If the right players become available, hopefully, we can do the business we need to, to bring them in.

"It didn't help at the start of the year we took three ACL injuries. I think you'd have really enjoyed watching Emma Watson this season. I think she would have played a lot and excited fans. Obviously Gabby [George] gives us a balance in the back-line. We've gone down to five defenders with Aoife [Mannion] and Evie [Rabjohn] also being out. It is tougher and that's the rationale of where we're at. We do need to look at areas to invest and grow the squad out and compete."

United will aim to get back to winning ways against Liverpool in the FA WSL Cup on Wednesday, before their focus shifts to a clash with rock-bottom side Bristol City in the WSL four days later.