Women's Super League: Has Manchester United lost faith in the women's team

According to BBC.

Background

After the resignation of Mark Skinner, Manchester United needs a coach who can strengthen the team's position in the Women's Super League. The team won a major trophy during Skinner's tenure, but now his absence ahead of the new season has created uncertainty over the club's future.

Why it matters

Mark Skinner's resignation marks a turning point for the Manchester United women's team, especially as the new season of the Women's Super League approaches. Due to the club's lack of squad depth and resources, this situation could have a serious impact on the team's competitiveness. United will now have to find a new coach who can take the team in a sustainable direction.

Key Points

• Women's Super League: Has Manchester United lost faith in the women's team.
• Manchester United's women's team faces uncertainty following the departure of coach Mark Skinner, and concerns are being raised over squad depth and investment ahead of the new season..
• Women's Super League: Have Man Utd lost faith in women's team?.

There is only a month left for the start of the new season of the Women's Super League, but Manchester United still do not have a coach and their squad is also thin. The club announced on Monday that Mark Skinner has resigned from his post by mutual consent, ending a five-year tenure which included a first major trophy. The timing of his resignation adds to concerns that United are in danger of falling behind after a quiet summer of recruitment.With United already facing criticism over their women's team, are they reducing resources further, looking for a more sustainable model or moving in a new direction? In April, Skinner faced questions about his future, saying that he had "no doubt" that he was the best person for the position. There was no internal discussion about his status going into the World Sevens tournament – ​​and the club was satisfied with the results. The expectation was that they would challenge for the trophy and try to qualify for Europe again. United lost the League Cup final to Chelsea, missing out on the top three by nine points but reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League.United's budget was significantly lower than their top three rivals (their wage bill in 2024–25 was £5.9 million, compared to Chelsea's £14.5 million), so Skinner had done a good job despite widespread criticism from fans. But United sources say that as the new season approached, discussions took place and it became clear that Skinner and the club were not in agreement on direction. As United moved towards a sustainable model that focused on youth development, Skinner became increasingly frustrated with the lack of investment in the squad.After a 3–0 defeat against Manchester City in March, Skinner said: "The team is playing to its full potential. It's clear that if we get the right investment in the right areas, we can meet those expectations." He reiterated the same sentiment after the cup final defeat against Chelsea and again on the final day of the season. Despite a quiet window in January, however, United did not make a swift move this summer, instead signing 22-year-old defender Andrea Medina and goalkeeper Janina Letzig as potential back-ups to the established Fallon Tullis-Joyce.

While United remain cautious in the market, their rivals are spending big, with the likes of Arsenal bringing in English international Georgia Stanway and Spain full-back Ouna Battle, while Chelsea paid £850,000 for Melvin Mallard, a key United player. Skinner struggled to win over supporters, so his position became untenable for both sides due to external pressure, limited squad depth and the club's lack of spending.

This is not the first time United's lack of investment has made headlines. Former manager Cassie Stoney resigned in 2021 due to growing concern over the lack of resources and facilities. High-profile reports emerged in 2024 over United's inadequate training facilities, while owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments about the women's team came under criticism.They have also lost several key first-team members, with former assistant Martin Ho now enjoying success as manager of Tottenham and joining goalkeeping coach Ian Wilcock in April – while another former assistant, Charlotte Healy, became head coach at WSL 2 club Bristol City last year. When Skinner took the United job in 2021, he had the big shoes to fill of someone as popular as Stoney. Their ratings fell further when a number of big-name players left on free transfers, including England duo Alessia Russo and Mary Earps, as well as Battle.Manchester United have tried to prevent big players leaving for free, opting to sell Mallard last month at a significant profit which they hope to reinvest. He also made a profit on the sales of Millie Turner and Lisa Nalsund to Birmingham City – both of whom were sold for six-figure sums. BBC Sport reported in July that the girls' academy would train at Carrington – the club's main training ground – this season. It's all part of their new strategy, which club sources say is based on a sustainable future, with the ambition to develop homegrown talent.United say a "significant" investment has been made in the academy amid concerns the current spending trend is unsustainable in the WSL. Hopefully this approach will bring long-term success to United, and they will use the transfer fees received so far to better the club. It is understood that the search for Skinner's replacement is already advanced and they are hoping to appoint a new head coach quickly. A key requirement for Skinner's successor will be a track record of developing talent, and without European football this season, United will be hoping young players can get game time in the WSL. But will this approach produce the results fans want? Former boss Stoney told BBC Sport in May: "Are they at the level of other [top] clubs? Probably they're not in terms of wages and recruitment. If they want to go higher, they have to invest in the squad and get more depth. You're always as good as the team you can put on the field. It's about the investment you're willing to make.

What will happen next

Now Manchester United will have to appoint a new coach, who can strengthen the team in the Women's Super League. Additionally, the club will need to increase squad depth and focus on the development of young players. If United don't take steps in the right direction, they could fall behind in competing in the Women's Super League.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who confirmed that Manchester United has lost confidence in the women's team?

Club sources have confirmed that Mark Skinner and the club were not in agreement on direction.

Why did Mark Skinner resign from his post?

Mark Skinner resigned from his position by mutual consent, as he was frustrated with the lack of investment in the squad.

What is the status of the Manchester United women's team now?

Manchester United still does not have a coach and their squad is also thin.

Why did Mark Skinner resign now?

Skinner's resignation came a month before the start of the new season, when it became clear that the club and him were not in agreement on direction.

What changes can happen in the Manchester United women's team?

The club is moving towards a sustainable model, focused on youth development, but Skinner's resignation is likely to be followed by the appointment of a new coach and squad changes.

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