Skinner wants Manchester United to use ’emotional edge’ in duel with Man City with team closing in on a top three finish

MARC SKINNER wants Manchester United to use the hurt of their FA Cup final loss to fuel their bid to beat Man City.

A home win against their neighbours on Sunday would see United qualify for the Champions League for the first time.

GettyManchester United will be pushing for a derby victory to keep their title hopes alive[/caption]

PAA Man City win could see the race for top three go to the wire should Arsenal drop points against Chelsea[/caption]

Skinner’s team, who are second could still be in title contention should they beat City and Arsenal defeat leaders Chelsea.

The Red Devils boss said: “The beauty of this season is we’re talking about bouncing back from a final where we’ve done really well and lost 1-0 to Chelsea in our first (FA Cup) final.

“When I talk about Manchester City feeling our hurt, it’s via our energy, our commitment and our spirit.

“Football-wise we can hurt Man City as they could hurt any team including us in the league.

“For us it’s about using the emotional edge in every action that we make. If we do that then we can beat anyone.”

Skinner revealed his father suffered a heart attack a day ahead of Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat of United in the FA Cup final. 

The head coach  added: “He is ok now. That’s the factor people don’t see, when you go into games.

“I felt we as a collective did well at hiding those things. I’m tough enough to help my team when we need it.

“That’s how professional we are. We’re here to do a job.”

City, who are fourth and three points behind Arsenal, need a win to keep their hopes of playing in Europe next season alive. 

However a point or more for United from their last two fixtures and four more for the Gunners this term would see both sides claim a top three spot. 

Citizens boss Gareth Taylor said: “We want to be in the Champions League.

“We know we’ll need the three points and that’s what we’ll do.

“There’s no need to instigate fire in the bellies with this one.”

ReutersMan City will be hoping to avoid dropping out of the WSL’s top three for the first time during Gareth Taylor’s reign[/caption]

Skinner added: “It’s a heavyweight contest.

“With one big punch, the other one could be knocked out so we have to try and land those punches. 

“If we beat them, not only are we still in contention for the league, but obviously then we can finish mathematically above them.”