MANCHESTER UNITED manager Marc Skinner has quit by mutual consent before the start of the Women’s Super League season.
Skinner grew furious over the club’s refusal to spend big in the transfer market, which United sources insist is unsustainable.
Marc Skinner has quit by mutual consent before the start of the Women’s Super League season Credit: Getty
United’s change of approach revolves around developing more homegrown players like Ella Toone Credit: Getty
SunSport understands the decision to part ways with Skinner was made after summer talks broke down regarding the club’s future direction.
United sources felt the club needed to go in a different direction and enter a new era, with a shift toward internal investment and academy growth.
United’s change of approach revolves around developing more homegrown players while transitioning to a more attacking style of football – a huge issue for fans toward the end of Skinner’s reign.
The 43-year-old signed a new two-year contract last summer, before leading United to fourth in the Women’s , missing out on European qualification.
United have sounded out other candidates and expect to replace Skinner before the start of the WSL season on September 4.
Tensions grew behind the scenes amid a lack of investment in Skinner’s squad over his five years at the helm.
United have invested less and less, while rivals , , City, and even London City Lionesses, signed marquee players this summer.
United experienced another quiet window—signing only two players in defender Andrea Medina and goalkeeper Janina Leitzig, while selling star striker Melvine Malard to Chelsea for a club-record fee of around £850,000.
Meanwhile, London City, who finished fifth last season, signed two-time winner Alexia Putellas, while Lyon defender Alice Sombath joined Tottenham.
United say that higher investment in the WSL transfer market is unsustainable.
Skinner became spiky in media conferences in response to questions about squad investment and his future at the club at the back end of last season.
Skinner was red-faced in his press conference following United’s 3-0 defeat to eventual WSL champs City at Old Trafford in March.
Skinner bit back in one: “I don’t pay attention to noise. It doesn’t affect me and I can look past it.
“If you haven’t noticed or followed Manchester United there’s always noise. You’re impartial to that.
“What’s clear is we’ve got to four finals in four years. We’ve made history by getting into the Champions League for the first time this season.
“Yes we are short of where we want to be because we set that standard by the way and the expectation outside is that we should come in and you should win leagues.
“The noise around my job will always be there. As long as I’m a manager it will be there. It doesn’t affect me.”
Skinner has been in charge of United for five years and led them to their first major trophy with victory in the Women’s final in 2024.
Skinner replaced former defender Casey Stoney in 2021, who quit over frustrations at a lack of investment from the club.
That issue has continually arisen throughout Skinner’s reign as he often pointed to the lack of squad depth following defeats to top-three rivals.
United owner faced backlash for his comments on the women’s team and there was outrage over their training facilities in 2024, which Skinner defended at the time.
SunSport revealed last month that the girls’ academy would train at Carrington this season.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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