Manchester United’s women’s team manager, Marc Skinner, has been offered a new contract following INEOS’ acquisition of a minority stake in the club and a disappointing season so far. Skinner, who took over from Casey Stoney, led United to a fourth-place finish in his first season and a historic second-place finish last season. However, this season has been underwhelming, with United 15 points behind league leaders Manchester City. Fans have been chanting ‘Skinner Out!’ during pre-season friendlies, creating uncertainty around his future at the club. Negotiations for the new contract are reportedly ongoing.
The new contract offer represents the second major decision for the women’s team since INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of the club’s football operations. The first decision was the appointment of Matt Johnson as the new head of women’s football on an interim basis, replacing Polly Bancroft. The extension of Skinner’s contract was made by the current football leadership at United, along with oversight from INEOS. John Murtough, who was overseeing the women’s team as United’s football director, is stepping down this week in a top-down shake-up following the ownership change. Attention is also on United men’s boss Erik Ten Hag’s future at the club, amid rumors of a potential sacking at the end of the season.
Skinner has been defending his position amid the pressure and criticism that comes with managing a club like Manchester United. Despite facing calls for his dismissal from some fans, Skinner has remained steadfast and focused on his role at the helm of United Women. The extension of his contract is the first managerial decision made under the new ownership structure at the club. With Skinner’s current contract expiring at the end of the season, negotiations for a new deal are crucial for determining his future with the team. The ongoing discussions between the club and Skinner reflect the complexities and uncertainties surrounding his tenure at United.
In addition to the managerial changes in the women’s team, there has been speculation surrounding Erik Ten Hag’s future as the manager of United’s men’s team. The club is currently 11 points off the top four and struggling to compete at the level expected. The potential for Ten Hag’s dismissal adds further intrigue to the football operations at United under the new ownership. As the club looks to navigate through a transitional period, decisions regarding key managerial positions will play a significant role in shaping the future direction of both the men’s and women’s teams. The contract offer to Skinner is a key step in this process as the club aims to stabilize its football operations and position itself for success in the future.
The involvement of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the decision-making process regarding Skinner’s contract highlights the influence of the new ownership structure on the club’s operations. With a focus on strengthening both the men’s and women’s teams, the owners are taking proactive steps to ensure long-term success for Manchester United. The extension of Skinner’s contract, if agreed upon, could provide stability and continuity for the women’s team, allowing them to build on the progress made in recent seasons. As the club looks to compete at the highest levels domestically and internationally, strong leadership and strategic decision-making will be crucial in achieving their goals. Skinner’s continued presence at the club could be a key factor in realizing the team’s potential and aspirations in the competitive landscape of women’s football.
