Man Utd boss Skinner leaves role before WSL season

Manchester United's manager, Marc Skinner, has stepped down from his position prior to the commencement of the Women's Super League season. The 43-year-old has been at the helm for five years, leading the team to their first major trophy, winning the Women's FA Cup final in 2024. Skinner guided them to the Women's Champions League group stages for the first time last year and saw them finish second in three domestic cup finals.

His departure occurs a month before the season starts, with United scheduled to face London City Lionesses on September 4th (7:00 PM BST). The former Birmingham City head coach expressed concerns about a lack of investment in the squad and the club had been relatively quiet during the summer transfer window. BBC Sport revealed in July that the women's academy would train at Carrington, United's main training facility, this season.

However, fans have grown frustrated due to the lack of spending, with rivals Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea bolstering their squads. Skinner and the club had discussions in the summer, leading to a mutual agreement for his departure. The club is in advanced stages of searching for his replacement, with candidates already undergoing background checks.

Skinner's tenure at United has been marked by both successes and challenges, including winning the FA Cup in 2024 and reaching the Champions League group stages for the first time last year. However, he faced criticism from fans for not investing enough in the team and for stubborn team selection. Skinner's contract extension until 2027, with an option for a further year, seemed to indicate a strained relationship between him and the club.