The departure of Marc Skinner as Manchester United Women's manager has reignited debate over whether the club has been judged more harshly than its Women's Super League rivals, though a closer look suggests United's struggles are part of a broader pattern across the division.
Skinner leaves after a tenure that produced tangible progress on paper: two top-three WSL finishes, three consecutive FA Cup final appearances, the club's first major trophy, and a Champions League quarter-final run in United's debut European campaign. Yet dissatisfaction had been building for months, culminating in banners at Leigh Sports Village in 2024 calling for his removal. Much of the frustration stemmed not simply from results but from performances against the WSL's established powers—Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Underpinning the unrest has been persistent criticism of United's investment in the women's team, a theme that dates back to Casey Stoney's resignation as manager in 2021, when she cited insufficient resources and poor facilities. United's professional women's setup only began in 2018, when the club appointed Stoney and signed several Lionesses, including current Manchester City captain Alex Greenwood, while playing in the second tier. Given the ambition signaled at that launch, many expected United to challenge for domestic supremacy. Eight years on, they have just one trophy to show for it and now risk falling further behind their rivals.
Concerns escalated in 2024 when reports emerged that the women's team had been relocated from the Carrington training complex into temporary facilities to accommodate the men's first team. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe also drew scrutiny for comments made to the United We Stand fanzine, in which he labeled the men's team the "main issue" and referred to the women's side as "girls" and "an opportunity"—language many saw as diminishing the women's program.
Staff departures have compounded the sense of instability. Former assistant coach Martin Ho left to take charge at Tottenham, where he has enjoyed considerable success, and was later followed by goalkeeping coach Ian Willcock. Another ex-assistant, Charlotte Healy, took over as head coach of WSL 2 side Bristol City last year.
United have also struggled to retain top talent. England internationals Alessia Russo and Mary Earps departed on free transfers, as did Spanish full-back Ona Batlle. This summer, star striker Melvine Malard left for Chelsea, and United have yet to bring in a replacement, though the £850,000 fee received for her will offer some financial flexibility.
While such losses naturally invite criticism, United are far from alone in facing questions about ambition and squad management. Tottenham only reached the WSL in 2019 and spent years in the lower and mid-table before improving under Ho. West Ham remain the only WSL club yet to play a home fixture at their men's stadium and have been repeatedly criticized for limited transfer activity, while former manager Rehanne Skinner had to navigate structural changes amid the club's inconsistent backing.
Liverpool's women's team, twice WSL champions in 2013 and 2014, were relegated in 2020 following years of scrutiny over poor pitch conditions and, in 2021, allegations from former players Kirsty Linnett and Becky Jane that contracts had been withdrawn. Even Chelsea, dominant with six consecutive league titles, faced criticism for restricting attendance at Champions League fixtures at Stamford Bridge to cut costs, with manager Sonia Bompastor publicly urging the club to strengthen recruitment and squad depth last season.
Ultimately, Manchester United's difficulties reflect a wider set of challenges facing WSL clubs as they balance ambition, investment and results—issues that have tested even the league's most decorated sides.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.