Successful transfer windows in January and the summer have helped build squad depth, while Skinner puts their improvement down to “maturing” with experience.

Criticism of performances has still come their way from United supporters but Skinner insists it is all about results right now.

“I know my team has this ideology about having to play a style of football that’s really attractive and we want to build possession,” he said earlier this week.

“But actually, it’s the way we mix our game that keeps things unpredictable. When I look at how we play now, the goals [against Atletico] were ruthless.

“I’d rather be that team – that is ruthless in the two boxes – than one that plays lovely football up to that point, concedes goals and scores nothing.

“It’s that maturity and recognition that it’s our first challenge of depth in competition. We just have to get some of these games done.”

It remains a learning curve for United on how to navigate multiple competitions – but the signs have been hugely positive.

They have a Women’s League Cup final against Chelsea to play next month, after an FA Cup fifth round tie against the same opponents.

They have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-0 first leg lead in their play-off with Atletico Madrid, and they should wrap it up on Thursday.

Should they emerge from those, and remain in the WSL’s top three – securing European football for next year – United will have a lot to celebrate in May.

“That’s the aim. We will face tough opponents, and we have another leg on Thursday. It’s not done yet and we have to dig in,” said Skinner.

“When you get here, what is the point in walking halfway through hell then turning around? You have to walk all the way through it, feel the suffering and pain of it and try get through to see what’s on the other side.

“That is what this team will do.”