Manchester United Women are beginning a new era after head coach Marc Skinner left the club on Monday morning. His departure follows summer discussions about the team's future direction, as reported by Sky Sports.
The club finished fourth in the final 2025 Women's Super League table, securing 40 points from 11 wins, 7 draws, and 4 losses. They ended the campaign 15 points behind champions Manchester City W, with a recent run of form showing one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. The search for a successor is already underway, with background checks in progress and an announcement expected soon.
Why did Marc Skinner leave Manchester United Women?
Skinner's exit stems from a strategic shift within the club's hierarchy. Since INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe assumed control in December 2023, investment in the women's team has been a contentious issue. The ownership has set a target of winning the league by 2028 but plans to achieve it primarily through youth development rather than significant spending in the transfer market. This change in philosophy contributed to the decision to part ways with Skinner, who had signed a new two-year deal just last summer.
Skinner himself highlighted the financial challenges. "We have to make some changes to make sure that we can compete with what's clearly a financial market at times," he said. "And we want to do it our own way, we've said that and we're clear on that."
What was Marc Skinner's record at Manchester United Women?
Skinner spent five years in charge, leaving a mixed legacy. He guided the team to its first major trophies, winning the FA Cup and the League Cup in the 2023/24 season. The club also reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League in both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns, establishing itself as the only side capable of disrupting the WSL's traditional 'big three'.
However, consistency proved elusive. The team ranked fourth for goals scored during his tenure but was often inconsistent defensively. A notable hurdle was their record against Chelsea, as they never managed to beat them in the WSL throughout Skinner's five-year spell. You can review the team's full statistical history on our stats page.
How has the squad changed this summer?
The shift towards academy development has been reflected in a quiet transfer window. Key players like Melvine Malard, who joined Chelsea for around £750,000, Millie Turner, and Leah Galton have all departed in recent months. Only two new faces, Andrea Medina and Janina Leitzig, have arrived. High-profile exits in previous years included Alessia Russo's move to Arsenal and Mary Earps's transfer to PSG before her return.
With important players like Ella Toone out of contract at the end of the 2026 season, the incoming coach will be expected to have a proven track record of improving and developing young talent. The club's squad list shows the current group the new manager will inherit.
What happens next for Manchester United Women?
The immediate focus is on appointing a new head coach who aligns with the club's revised philosophy. The ideal candidate will be tasked with breaking into the WSL's top three and reaching more finals by harnessing the potential of the academy system.
Manchester United Women begin their 2026 WSL season on September 4 with a fixture against London City Lionesses, a match you can find on our fixtures schedule. The team scored 38 goals and conceded 22 last season, finishing with a +16 goal difference.
