Ryan Perks previews Manchester United test

Argyle Women’s Head Coach Ryan Perks expects a tough but exciting challenge for his side when they face Manchester United Under-21s on Saturday. 

After running away as confident victors against Aberystwyth Town, the squad now travels north with a test at Carrington Training Centre awaiting them. 

“Last weekend wasn’t the test we were expecting,” Perks said. “However, it gave us lots of opportunities to look at patterns and work on being clinical in the final third, and it was nice that the girls were clinical. We scored some excellent goals. 

“It was important to keep our standards for 90 minutes, and the girls stuck to what we asked them to do.  

“We are expecting a tougher test regardless of it being their under-21s. They’re going to be a very strong team and have some good young talent.” 

United’s Under-21s clinched the Northern Academy Division title in April before being crowned national champions just a week later. Perks’ side is full of youth, and he believes the battle in the north will prove to be a great experience for those involved. 

“Essentially, we’ve got an under-21s team travelling with us, if you look at the ages,” Perks said. “It’ll be a good run-out for the girls again. We can work a bit more, in and out of possession. 

“We dominated the ball last weekend against Aberystwyth, but we’d expect Manchester United to have a bit more of the ball.” 

There was further fixture news this week, as there was confirmation that Argyle’s Devon Derby fixture against Exeter City has now been moved to Wednesday, 9 October, at 7.45pm. The game will be played at Home Park.  

Perks is excited that such a fixture will be housed at the Theatre of Greens.  

“Any game at Home Park is really important,” he said. "I think there’s the added spice of it being the Devon derby. There’s no love lost between the two teams.  

“We’re going to want to put on a show for the home fans and, hopefully, we can draw in a massive crowd to get behind the girls. 

"We’re excited about all the games at Home Park. The first ones have already been announced, and, hopefully, there will be a few more along the way.  

“It’s a massive occasion for the girls to go and showcase what they can do.”