Marc Skinner has reached a mutual agreement with Manchester United Women to terminate his contract as head coach, the club announced. Skinner, who has been in charge since 2021, concluded his tenure with the team following a period of intense competition in the Women's Super League (WSL).
During his five years at the helm, Skinner guided Manchester United Women to significant achievements, including their first major honor, the Women's FA Cup in 2024. He also led the team to three consecutive FA Cup finals and secured the club's highest-ever top-flight finish in the 2022-23 season, when they finished second. That same season saw United reach their first Women's Champions League quarter-final and League Cup final.
Despite these successes, the club finished fourth in the most recent WSL season, missing out on European qualification behind champions Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City. This finish has intensified pressure on the club to invest and keep pace with their rivals, who have made significant signings over the summer.
Manchester United Women have made two signings this summer: defender Andrea Medina and goalkeeper Janina Leitzig. They also saw key forward Melvine Malard depart for Chelsea in a deal reportedly worth around £850,000.
A club statement acknowledged Skinner's "significant contribution to the continued progress of Manchester United Women," expressing gratitude for his "professionalism, commitment and dedication" and wishing him well for the future. Skinner's departure comes just over a month before the team's season opener against London City Lionesses on September 4.
Skinner had previously addressed the disparity in investment between Manchester United and other leading WSL clubs, noting the need for strategic resource allocation to maintain competitiveness. "We see the investment around us, we see the strategy around us," he stated in May, highlighting the challenge of not only competing with teams above them but also fending off challengers from below.