Marc Skinner has stepped away from his position as head coach of Manchester United only one month before the start of the new Women's Super League season. Skinner spent five years with the club and oversaw several important landmarks for the Red Devils, including delivering their first major trophy with the 2024 FA Cup. However, it was confirmed on Monday that he had left United by mutual consent.
Official: Marc Skinner leaves Manchester United
Skinner's departure was first reported by The Athletic on Monday morning, with sources telling the publication that Skinner had tendered his resignation before an agreement was reached with the club to end his contract mutually. The 43-year-old had signed a two-year extension last summer, with the option of a further year, meaning he had been due to remain in the role until at least the end of the upcoming 2026-27 season.
United then confirmed Skinner's departure, describing it as being "by mutual agreement", shortly afterwards. The club statement said: "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."
Disappointing transfer window so far
It is difficult to overlook the fact that Skinner's exit has come during a transfer window in which United have been notably inactive. Despite finishing a full nine points short of Champions League qualification in the 2025-26 WSL season, the Red Devils have brought in only two players: highly rated young defender Andrea Medina and Janina Leitzig, who is expected to become the new second-choice goalkeeper.
That is despite Skinner repeatedly asking for greater investment and squad strengthening during the previous campaign, when a lack of depth became a major problem for a United side competing in the main draw of the Women's Champions League for the first time. Their run to the quarter-finals despite those limitations, and the way they competed well before losing to Bayern Munich at that stage, was notable given the squad did not have the depth required to challenge on four fronts.
At the same time, the rest of the WSL has been extremely active in the market, especially the teams United are trying to catch. Arsenal have arguably had the standout summer, signing players such as Georgia Stanway and Ona Batlle as they push for a first league title since 2019, Manchester City have added important reinforcements to their title-winning squad, and Chelsea's marquee summer arrival has been Melvine Malard, who joined for a hefty fee from Manchester United.
The clubs below United have also done strong business. London City Lionesses have signed two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, England star Mary Earps and four-time Champions League winner Mapi Leon, among others, while Tottenham and Brighton, who are also part of that middle group in the WSL, have recruited well. All of that has only increased questions around United's level of investment and whether they are in danger of being overtaken this coming season, while also slipping further behind the likes of City, Arsenal and Chelsea.
A mixed five years: Skinner's Manchester United spell
Skinner's departure will be welcomed by some supporters. The 43-year-old was not consistently popular during his five years in charge, with fans at times criticising his team selections, tactics and in-game management. In fact, chants of 'Skinner out' could be heard from the stands during the lowest moments, particularly in the 2023-24 season, when United finished fifth, their lowest placing of the WSL era.
He dealt with that pressure well, though, often acknowledging the scrutiny that comes with a role of such profile while also producing several highly successful moments. Under his leadership, United reached four cup finals, won the FA Cup, qualified for a Champions League quarter-final on their main-draw debut and mounted a serious WSL title challenge in the 2022-23 campaign.
Who will be Manchester United's new head coach?
So who will be the next person to take on the role? United have altered their approach during this summer window, with a clear emphasis now on developing younger players. The integration of the Under-21s at Carrington, where they are training alongside the first team, underlines that shift, while three academy prospects have also signed their first professional contracts in recent weeks.
It is no surprise, then, that BBC Sport understands the club want a coach with "a history of developing players" to replace Skinner. The report also states that the search for a successor is already at an "advanced" stage.
Even so, it remains clear that the team requires greater investment in the summer transfer window if they are to keep pace with the sides at the top of the WSL and challenge for domestic trophies as well as in European football.
