Marc Skinner has been appointed as Manchester United Women manager.
He has signed a two-year deal with the option of a further year.
Marc Skinner Named New Manchester United Women Manager
✍️ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿…
Introducing our new boss for the 2021/22 season and beyond: Marc Skinner! 🔴#MUWomen pic.twitter.com/wJ0T6dAvTf
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) July 29, 2021
Big Job, Big Expectations
Former Birmingham City Women boss Marc Skinner, who recently stepped down as Orlando Pride head coach, has taken charge of Manchester United Women, giving him one of the biggest jobs in the women’s game.
Whilst Manchester United don’t have as much success and history as they have in the men’s game, carrying the name alone, brings so much attention. They became a big club as soon as they announced their presence on the women’s scene.
The club’s inaugural coach Casey Stoney had dealt with that pressure impeccably since the club’s formation in 2018.
Guiding them to a Women’s Championship title in her first season and following that with two fourth-place finishes in the top-flight was incredibly respectful.
Her eventual resignation was disappointing for United given the fast track progress they had constantly been making.
Now it’s Marc Skinner’s turn to take the reins and guide the Red Devils to success.
Champions League Spot the Desire
Manchester United have made no secret about their desire to be involved in the Women’s Champions League. That will likely be Skinner’s starting expectation, though, it won’t be long before trophies or titles are what his bosses wish for.
Stoney’s side came close and looked well on course for it last Christmas, but a few slip-ups were costly as Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal motored home in the second half of the season.
Having looked so comfortable but fallen just short, that was a hard one to take and Stoney publicly said it as a personal failure. Though, not the reason for her eventual resignation.
Summer Business So Far Before Manchester United Women Manager Appointment
Manchester United Women have already added five players in Vilde Bøe Risa, Hannah Blundell, Sophie Baggaley, Aoife Mannion and Martha Thomas to their ranks this summer.
That doesn’t tell the full story, though. With as many as seven departures confirmed, they have been playing catch-up again.
Jessica Sigsworth, Jane Ross, Christen Press, Tobin Heath, Amy Turner, Lauren James and Abbie McManus have all left United.
The loss of the American pair was particularly disappointing. Tobin Heath picked up an injury at the most unfortunate of times and couldn’t help the Reds for the remainder of the season – where it all went wrong, really. They were a class apart on the field and United now have to hope that the current crop improve enough to bridge that gap or sign players of a similarly high level – or both.
Skinner Stepped Down as Orlando Pride Boss Despite Progressing Project
On Friday, July 23, Orlando Pride announced that Marc Skinner had stepped down as head coach. Skinner had previously left Birmingham City Women – who he guided to the FA Cup final – to take this job in the States.
The 38-year-old coach has had a positive impact at Orlando, guiding them to their best-ever start, a seven-game unbeaten run, in the 2021 regular season.
Pride’s executive vice president Amanda Duffy spoke well of Skinner following his exit, she told the club website: “I have tremendous gratitude and appreciation for the vision Marc and Carl (Green – assistant coach) brought to the Orlando Pride and I thank them for their commitment to the club and the players during their time in Orlando.
“Under Marc’s guidance, the Pride have become a better team and a better organisation, with a foundation in place for the continuation of a winning culture. I wish both of them much success in their next opportunity.”
Proud Moment
Upon the announcement, Skinner told ManUtd.com: “I am excited and proud to become head coach at Manchester United. I’m looking forward to working closely with the staff and this talented group of players. Our focus is to build on everything they have already achieved in the women’s game. It’s an exciting opportunity to lead the team into what will be another competitive WSL season; I want us to achieve success together and our aim is to give the fans a team they can continue to be proud of/”
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward added: “Marc is a coach with proven pedigree in the WSL and we are delighted he is joining the club and returning to the league after his recent time in the US. Our commitment to the continued development and success of the women’s team is total, and we see Marc’s appointment, along with the talented squad and players recruited this summer, as key to that process.”
Football director John Murtough also said: “First and foremost, Marc is an excellent coach, but he also has incredible drive, ambition and a vision for the team, which really impressed us during the recruitment process. We are confident that Marc is the best person to be leading the team as we look forward to another exciting season.”
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
