Manchester United manager Marc Skinner has publicly spoken about Geyse for the first time since the player described an “agonising and lonely feeling” and her agent told The Telegraph “there is no relationship whatsoever” with the manager.
Skinner confirmed talks are underway about loaning the Brazilian, 26, to NWSL side Gotham FC.
The United boss spoke to reporters before Saturday’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup clash with Sunderland.
What did Marc Skinner say?
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Geyse posted on Instagram after United’s win against Leicester last weekend, where she made a late substitute appearance, saying: “Staying in a place where we don’t feel happy is an agonising and lonely feeling.
“Every day seems heavier, and the simple fact of being there becomes a burden.
“The environment, which should be welcoming, becomes a field of discomfort, where inner peace is difficult to find. When we are not in tune with what surrounds us, the world around us loses its colour and energy.”
Geyse recently had compassionate leave in January and February after her brother was tragically killed in a car accident.
Skinner said: “When a player writes that, you feel sadness, but we appreciate that Geyse is in a difficult position in her personal life right now.
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*“I think we have to understand there is a human at the heart of what we are talking about, from my perspective it is really clear that Geyse is a fantastic footballer and she is expressing her opinion – but what I can stress is that the club have offered her a fantastic amount of support and will continue to do so.*“
Speaking to The Telegraph, Geyse’s agent accused United of trying to loan her out to clubs in the US while she attended her brother’s funeral.
Skinner confirmed that United are in talks with Gotham FC as an option for Geyse to go on loan.
“It’s sad to hear that a person might feel that way, but this group is fantastic and we stay committed to the wellbeing of all of our players so we will find a solution that suits both parties.
“Every player has an opinion and there’s a social media platform that you can use to express that.”
Skinner was also asked for a response to Geyse’s agent’s assertion that “there is no relationship whatsoever” with him.
“Anybody who knows me as a coach, as a human, knows I am open and I can have a conversation at anytime.
“I have a really good relationship with my players, so my door is always open.”
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Previewing Saturday’s opponents Sunderland, who play in the Barclays Women’s Championship, Skinner said:“We absolutely want to respect the opponent, we will take the game as serious as any other game we play.
“We are playing against an opponent, yes people may see they are in a lower division but knowing (manager Melanie Reay) and the way she sets up her teams they’ll be full of passion and right up for the game.
“I think she is a great role model for women’s football, I have a lot of respect for her and her teams.”
Skinner also confirmed that Elisabeth Terland is still unavailable with a wrist injury and the game may also come too soon for Jayde Riviere, who has a muscle injury. However, Anna Sandberg has returned from illness and Lisa Naalsund, who has been out with a foot injury since November, is back in contention.
United face Sunderland at Leigh Sports Village at 17:15 on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals.
Thomas Gibson
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