Man Utd boss Skinner steps down before WSL season

What the report says

Manchester United Women manager Marc Skinner has stepped down ahead of the new Women’s Super League season, BBC Sport Football reports. Skinner, 43, had been in charge for five years and leaves after guiding United to their first major trophy, the Women’s FA Cup in 2024, as well as a first appearance in the Women’s Champions League group stage last season.

According to BBC Sport, the departure comes about a month before United’s opening league match away to London City Lionesses on 4 September. The report says Skinner and the club held discussions during the summer and agreed a mutual exit. United have had a relatively quiet transfer window, and Skinner had previously raised concerns about investment in the squad.

BBC Sport also notes that United have shifted their recruitment strategy toward younger players in an effort to build longer-term success, while supporters have been frustrated by limited spending compared with other leading WSL clubs. The club is understood to be advanced in its search for a replacement, with a coach who has experience developing players said to be a key priority. In broader context, the WSL is entering a more competitive period, with several clubs strengthening their squads ahead of the new campaign.