Manchester United Head Coach Marc Skinner has signed a new contract with the women’s side, keeping him at Leigh Sports Village until at least 2027, with the option of an additional year as part of the deal.
Skinner took over at United in 2021 when he left NWSL side Orlando Pride to replace Casey Stoney and following neighbours City sacking Gareth Taylor last month, he became the longest serving current manager in the Women’s Super League.
On signing his new contract, Skinner told club media: “It has been an absolute privilege to serve as Head Coach for this fantastic football club for the last four years and I am delighted to be extending my time in the role for a further two years.
Champions League and first Wembley appearance
After a third successive fourth place finish in Skinner’s first season in charge, 2022-23 proved to be a season to savour for United fans. A first league victory over ‘big three’ opposition came in November with a thrilling 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates.
That season United finished second, securing Champions League qualification for the first time in their short history with another dramatic late win, this time against neighbours City. They took the title race to the final day of the season but narrowly fell short, finishing just two points behind Chelsea.
They also had their first ever appearance at Wembley as they reached the FA Cup Final. However it was again Chelsea that proved to be their undoing, Sam Kerr getting the only goal of the game in a narrow win.
Poor league form but cup glory
The following season saw United’s brief Champions League journey ended in the Second Qualifying Round against Paris Saint-Germain, but it was their alarming drop in form in the WSL that saw pressure begin to build on Skinner.
Their draw against Arsenal in October was the only point they picked up from games against the Gunners, Chelsea, City and Liverpool, culminating in a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea at Old Trafford as United finished fifth, their lowest WSL finish.
However, the club reached a second successive FA Cup final and this time claimed a first major trophy, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Wembley.
Promise as season draws to a close
United started this season impressively and from December embarked on a club record seven match winning run, which included a thrilling 4-2 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad, which saw Ella Toone claim a hat-trick.
With four matches left in the league this season, United are in third with a seven point gap to fourth placed City. Victory in their next game, at West Ham United on 19 April, followed by avoiding defeat to City at LSV eight days later would see them qualify for the Champions League for the second time.
After the international break they face City once again in the FA Cup Semi-Finals at Joie Stadium on Sunday 13 April as they look to reach the final for the third year running, with Chelsea facing Liverpool in the other semi.
Manchester United Head Coach Record strong amidst criticisms
As is expected at a club like United, Skinner’s time as manager has not been without its criticisms, with fans expressing their disappointment at results and performances at times, particularly during last season’s poor league form.
That criticism has been repeated at times during this campaign, such as the dour 0-0 draw at home to then bottom side Aston Villa and tame 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield last moth. However, results since the turn of the year have been impressive.
They are in a very strong position in the league having now won nine of their last ten games and with any speculation over Skinner’s future now addressed, the side will be looking to ensure that a season with a lot of promise has a strong ending.