Skinner hopes Man Utd avoid a ‘banana skin’ moment in FA Cup duel with Lewes

MARC SKINNER insists Manchester United need to be at their best to avoid a ‘banana skin’ moment against Lewes later. 

The Red Devils visit the Dripping Pan this lunchtime for a quarter-final clash with Scott Booth’s side who are seventh in the second tier. 

Skinner said: “From watching their players play back (you can see) they’re trying to play some really effective football,

“If we’re not at the very best of our game, then the banana skin potential comes up.

“We won’t take them lightly and they should expect the very best of us.

“For us it’s about avoiding that by being very good at what we do.”

Lewes’ home clash with the Red Devils comes five days after the Championship outfit’s call for equal FA Cup prize money. 

Their players signed an open letter addressed to Karen Carney who is leading a government-backed review of the women’s game.

So far their women’s side have received £45,000 for their cup progress.

Men’s sides who reach this stage receive £450,000. 

And it has been reported the club will receive no fees for their game being broadcast by the BBC.

This in contrast to the £200,000 paid to men’s teams when their quarter-final games are shown on TV. 

Of Lewes’ equal pay call Skinner said: “I think we can never change anything unless we raise the issues that we’re going through. 

“I don’t honestly know the funding mechanisms (for broadcast fees) and why those decisions are made, so it would be foolish of me to say anything on that.

“I support the growth of women’s football and Lewes’ message in terms of how we can continue to grow and the speed at which we’re growing. 

“I commend all of the women at Lewes and everybody who is fighting hard behind the scenes to work for equality and equity because we’re part of that 

“I feel we’re growing but we should always keep looking at that. 

“Are there ways we can add more money and are there ways we can add more funding to it?”

Skinner’s side will be looking to bounce back from their loss to Chelsea last time out by progressing to the FA Cup’s semi-finals stage. 

The United boss added: “The players are already hungry and waiting to pounce on any opportunity they get. The energy they have is really good.”

Lewes vs Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup can be watched live on BBC Two at 12:30pm today