Have Man Utd lost faith in their women's team?

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Manchester United’s women’s team enters the new Women’s Super League season facing questions over direction, squad depth and commitment. The club announced on Monday that head coach Marc Skinner had left by mutual consent, ending a five-year spell that brought United their first major trophy. His departure comes with roughly a month left before the WSL begins, adding to concern that the team could fall further behind rivals.

The article says Skinner had previously been under scrutiny, but results last season were broadly in line with expectations: United reached the League Cup final, finished nine points outside the top three, and got to the Champions League quarter-finals. Even so, BBC Sport says sources at the club indicated Skinner and United were not aligned on the team’s future direction, particularly as the club shifts toward a more sustainable model and greater emphasis on youth development.

BBC Sport also places the move in a wider context of long-running debate about Manchester United’s backing of the women’s side. The report cites earlier criticism over resources, facilities and staff departures, as well as the exit of several high-profile players in recent years. This summer’s recruitment has been limited, with only a small number of arrivals mentioned, while several rivals have strengthened more aggressively.

United say they are investing more in the academy and want to appoint a replacement quickly. According to the BBC, the next head coach will be expected to develop young players and work within a more restrained spending approach, but there is uncertainty over whether that will satisfy supporters or keep pace with the league’s leading clubs.