Are Man Utd judged differently to other WSL sides?
Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world, but is the women's team really judged differently as a result?
Manchester United's women's football team have been in the spotlight recently due to the departure of their former manager, Marc Skinner. Critics have accused the club of not investing enough in the women's team since it became a professional outfit in 2018. This includes quiet transfer windows, high-profile departures, a lack of trophies, and poor facilities.
The club's co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has been criticized for referring to the women's team as "girls" and an "opportunity". The club has also lost several key staff members and players, including former assistant coach Martin Ho, goalkeeping coach Ian Willcock, and star striker Melvine Malard. Despite their eight-year existence, Manchester United has only won one major trophy and is currently in danger of slipping below their rivals.
However, the club's reputation from their men's team success means that fans expect them to be ambitious and deliver trophies. This scrutiny is not unique to Manchester United, as other WSL clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea have also faced criticism over their women's teams.
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