Marc Skinner has left his position as head coach of Manchester United Women after five years in charge, the club has confirmed. The announcement comes ahead of the new Women’s Super League campaign and marks the end of a spell that included the club’s first major silverware.
Record in charge
Skinner had signed a fresh two-year contract last summer but leaves after guiding United to a number of notable finishes and cup runs. During his tenure the team reached four domestic cup finals in four successive seasons and won the Women’s FA Cup in 2024, United’s first major trophy at women’s level. The side were WSL runners-up in 2023 and made the Champions League quarter-finals as well as reaching last season’s League Cup final.
| Season / Competition | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 2023 Women’s Super League | Runners-up |
| 2024 Women’s FA Cup | Winners (club's first major honour) |
| Recent season | 4th in WSL; Champions League quarter-finals; League Cup final |
Club statement and timing
A club statement thanked Skinner for his "professionalism, commitment and dedication" during his spell at United.
"Marc leaves having made a significant contribution to the continued progress of Manchester United Women. The club places on record its sincere thanks for his professionalism, commitment and dedication throughout his time at United, and wishes him every success in the future."
The decision was revealed just over a month before United’s first WSL fixture of the season, a tie away to London City Lionesses on 4 September. The opening run of fixtures will be demanding, with United also scheduled to face Chelsea and Arsenal in their first three matches.
Why the change?
Sky Sports News reports that the departure followed a series of discussions over the summer about the future direction of the women’s side. Those talks are said to have centred on a shift towards greater development of homegrown players and a desire for a different, more progressive style of play. The club is understood to favour increased investment in its academy pathway rather than heavier spending in the transfer market.
- Tenure: Five years as head coach
- Major trophy: 2024 Women’s FA Cup (club’s first)
- Timing: Departure announced ahead of the 2026–27 WSL season
United must now appoint a successor in time to prepare the squad for a challenging start to the campaign. The coming weeks will be crucial for recruitment, preseason planning and clarity around the club’s longer-term strategy on youth development and playing style.
Local supporters and stakeholders will be watching closely as the club moves to fill the vacancy and implements the direction set out in recent discussions.
