Manchester United Women have parted ways with manager Marc Skinner, ending a five-year tenure that saw the team's most successful period, including the 2024 Women's FA Cup title. The club is now without a head coach heading into the new season, which opens against London City Lionesses on September 4.
What happened?
Manchester United Women and head coach Marc Skinner have parted ways by mutual agreement, the club confirmed Monday, ending five years roughly a month before the start of the 2026-27 Women's Super League season. Skinner, 43, took charge in 2021 and led the team through its most successful period, culminating in the 2024 Women's FA Cup title.
Why it matters for Manchester United Women
The departure follows mounting tension over investment in the women's squad after Manchester United finished fourth in the Women's Super League last season, missing out on European qualification. Skinner had publicly urged the club to increase funding this summer, and the team made only two major signings before the close of the transfer window, while forward Melvine Malard departed for Chelsea.
What comes next?
The club is expected to move quickly given the proximity of the new season, and two summer signings, defender Andrea Medina and goalkeeper Janina Leitzig, will be part of the squad the next head coach inherits, along with expectations to build on Skinner's foundation of cup finals and European football. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 4th in FA WSL, 40 pts, 11W-7D-4L from 22 games, recent form LDDLW. Goals this season: 38 scored, 22 conceded (+16 goal difference). Title race: 15 points behind leaders Manchester City W.
