Skinner’s reminder of Lyon’s ability cannot be ignored as they boasted a side including 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg and USA World Cup winner Lindsey Heaps.
Legendary France centre-back Wendie Renard was an unused substitute and elite players such as Lily Yohannes, Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto all came on in the second half.
That quality and the “speed and physicality” were the differences on the night, according to Skinner, but he also recognised the gap between United and Europe’s elite.
“Theirs is the upper echelon of that,” added Skinner. “They pay for it. They have grown in experience and have built that team over a long period of time.
“The reality is you have to be at your game in every moment because if not, they can take their opportunities. They were the better team – but I would expect them to be.
“It’s a juxtaposition because I don’t want to lose games. But we also have to take a moment and go, we’ve already qualified, let’s see where we go.
“All the things you see, I see. I also know what the fix is, but you can’t do it in one moment, you have to build it. We are progressing.”
Lyon boss Jonatan Giraldez described United’s season as “super positive” and said the answer to progress is about building a mentality to be better than the day before.
United’s challenge will only get greater as they look to continue their journey in the Champions League.
They currently sit ninth in the 18-team league table and occupying an unseeded position for the play-offs.
If they can climb at least one place, they will be seeded and avoid stronger opposition.
Skinner said that gives them more incentive to perform in their final league phase match against sixth-placed Juventus on 17 December – but just getting to this stage has been an achievement.
“When you go into the knockout stages, it is what it is. You have to play the best teams,” he added.
“We go [to Juventus] with confidence to try to win the game and see what happens. Our objective was always to qualify and we have done that. Where we finish is a bonus.”
