The inaugural Women's World Sevens tournament is set to be a spectacle of carnage and fun, according to Manchester United manager Marc Skinner. The event, taking place in Estoril, Portugal from 21-23 May, will feature eight top teams, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Ajax, Benfica, Roma, Paris St-Germain, Rosengard, and Bayern Munich.

Tactical Chaos and Entertainment

Skinner emphasized the tactical chaos that will define the tournament: "It's tactically going to be crazy, which I think is what we want - we want carnage. It will make everyone laugh and it is entertaining."

Player Enthusiasm

Manchester United players are eager to participate, with Skinner noting, "My players want to play in it. We'll have to learn the format as we go. The first one will just be utter carnage and fun." He also mentioned that players who opted out for personal reasons would still receive prize money if the team wins.

Tournament Format

Matches will consist of 15-minute halves, with extra time deciding tie-breakers. An infinite number of substitutions will be allowed, adding to the dynamic nature of the games. Skinner revealed that United is grouped with Benfica, Roma, and PSG, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals.

Prize Money and Ambitions

The $5 million prize pool is a significant incentive, with Skinner stating, "It's a reason why we entered. For our team, where we don't have Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester City's budget, it's huge if we're going to be successful." The prize money will be partly distributed among players and used for recruiting new talent.

International Players and Euro 2025

Despite the tournament taking place six weeks before Euro 2025, international players are likely to participate. England defender Maya Le Tissier expressed her enthusiasm: "If the gaffer picks me, I will. I would love to play in it! It's just a bit of fun." Norway striker Elisabeth Terland also highlighted the team bonding aspect: "As a group, we love spending time together. That's the biggest reason as to why we wanted to do it."

Managerial Support

England manager Sarina Wiegman acknowledged the tournament's benefits: "Well if you see now in the calendar for this summer, there is a gap - a gap with no football where players can have a little bit of rest. At the same time, players need to keep going because you want to be at your best for the Euros."

This tournament is not just about the competition; it's about bringing together top talent for an unforgettable experience of carnage and fun.