Man Utd 'should build future team' around Clinton

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner said the club should build their future team around Grace Clinton after the midfielder signed a one-year contract extension.

The England international joined United from Everton in 2022, but did not make her competitive debut until this season.

She is United's joint-top goalscorer in the Women's Super League this season with four goals, alongside Elisabeth Terland.

"Grace has been fantastic this year," Skinner said. "She is a fantastic product of the loan system. It was Bristol [City] for six months and then she went away to Tottenham and has come back in fantastic form.

"The way we have gone around the transfer market is to go into a younger model with talented players that we can grow. Grace fits that fantastically. Grace is a player that we should be building this future team around."

Clinton's contract was due to run out at the end of this season and Skinner said he hopes the club eventually tie her down on a longer contract.

"I know the club will be meeting grace and her representatives to discuss that and what terms look like.

"I don't have any say in that, but of course that is something I'd love us to pish and I'd love Grace to stay here for a long time. I am absolutely certain those conversations will be taking place."