Wales international Mared Griffiths joined WSL2 side Sunderland on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season this week.
And United head coach Marc Skinner told SheKicks.net on Thursday morning why he was so keen for the 18-year-old to make that move.
“She’s been training with us all obviously since she signed her contract,” he said, referring to the first professional contract she agreed last year. “So she’s been really good.”
He went on to explain that with only 12 teams in the Women’s Super League and thus only 22 league games per season, there were fewer chances for young players to make their marks ahead of experienced international stars with good track records.
“The only problem is because of the levels of competition. If we’re in a [men’s] Premier League season of 38 games, you can probably have more minutes available and especially fighting in four competitions with the level of experience she’s playing against.
“So it’s really important at this moment she goes and gets that vital experience of playing and feeling what that’s like, the pressures of starting, not starting. and coming into the game to find your form, so I’m really happy.”
Skinner on Keira Barry move: Fantastic experience
Skinner also gave a nod to 20-year-old academy graduate Keira Barry, who agreed a permanent transfer to Bay FC of the NWSL this week.
“Keira Barry has gone across to America. What a fantastic experience for her.
“And as much as we want at Manchester United to bring our kids through and play for us, we still own them a responsibility to try and get in the careers within the game. So I’m really pleased with both of them. They’re both on their own little separate journeys.
“We’ll watch Mared very closely. We have a team that does that, from behind the scenes. But I expect her to be excellent and really take this kind of challenge on head on.”
