Manchester United Women are searching for a new head coach after Marc Skinner stepped down just one month before the new Women’s Super League season. The 43-year-old has left by mutual agreement after five years in charge at United.
Skinner guided United to their first major trophy when they won the Women’s FA Cup in 2024.
He also led the club into the Women’s Champions League for the first time. Last season, United reached the quarter-finals before losing to Bayern Munich.
However, questions around Skinner’s future had grown during the second half of the campaign.
Now, his five-year spell has ended before another ball has been kicked.
Marc Skinner leaves Manchester United after summer talks
According to BBC Sport, United and Skinner held discussions during the summer before reaching a mutual agreement over his departure.
Therefore, the club are already working to appoint his replacement.
United are understood to be advanced in that process. Background checks have already been completed on potential candidates.
Importantly, one of the main requirements is experience developing young players.
That fits United’s new recruitment strategy. The club have increasingly targeted younger players while trying to build a more sustainable squad.
However, Skinner had also raised concerns about the level of investment available to his team.
United have had a relatively quiet summer while Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City have strengthened.
As a result, his departure raises further questions about the direction of the women’s team.
The timing also creates pressure.
United open their WSL campaign away to London City Lionesses on 4 September. Therefore, the next manager will have little time to prepare before competitive football begins.
Skinner leaves with a major trophy and several important milestones behind him.
However, Manchester United must now move quickly to ensure his departure does not disrupt the start of a crucial season.
