Marc Skinner is being lined up to take the managerial helm at Manchester United Women, according to Tom Garry, of the Telegraph.
The former Birmingham City Women boss, now at Orlando Pride, is the Red Devils’ number one choice to replace Casey Stoney.
Manchester United Women Set Sights on Marc Skinner Appointment
Extensive Search to Replace Casey Stoney
Casey Stoney announced her resignation as Manchester United Women head coach back in May and the club have been without a manager since the end of the 2020/21 season.
Since Stoney’s departure, the club has seen five senior players head for the exit door.
Jess Sigsworth departed, since joining Leicester City Women, Jane Ross has joined Rangers and Amy Turner joined Skinner’s current club Orlando Pride.
American pair Christen Press and Tobin Heath have both left United following a year at the club too.
Manchester United have taken their time with the search to replace Stoney but appear to have settled on a name.
Marc Skinner Credentials
Skinner, 38, was promoted to head coach of Birmingham City Women’s first-team in 2016.
Just months later, he would guide them to the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. His Blues side fell short, losing 4-1 to Manchester City Women.
In the following season, Skinner improved Birmingham’s finishing position from seventh to fifth.
In January 2019, he left the club in 4th place as he embarked on a trip stateside.
Skinner was credited with improving Birmingham City’s style of play with a small budget – a well organised and defensively strong system with a good attacking style.
Since moving to America, Skinner has overseen the management of several star players, including Brazil’s Marta and USWNT’s Alex Morgan.
Manchester United are looking for a manager who can build on the efforts of Casey Stoney, who had done incredible work for the club before her resignation – which hit fans and players hard.
The players are said to be excited at the prospect of working with Marc Skinner.
First Signing Of the Summer Confirmed
Earlier today, Manchester United confirmed the addition of Norway international Vilde Bøe Risa.
We’re 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗱 to have you, @VildeBoeRisa! 😁#MUWomen
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) July 20, 2021
The midfielder brings Champions League experience to a club targeting some involvement in that competition.
Bøe Risa has been capped 37 times by Norway. scoring twice.
She told the club website: “I’m happy to be here, at such a big club that I have grown up supporting. Manchester United is huge in Norway so to be able to come here and play for the team now is a dream come true.
“I am really looking forward to playing in the WSL,” she added. “I want to help the team as much as I can in qualifying for the Champions League. I’m also excited to get to know my new team-mates and, of course, I hope I can see the fans in the stadium soon too.”
It appears she has taken the number eight shirt previously occupied by Mollie Green.
Lauren James Nears Exit
Tom Garry adds in his report that Lauren James is expected to finalise personal terms with Chelsea Women this week.
A transfer fee was agreed last week and United’s talented 19-year-old is set to join her brother, Reece James, within Chelsea Football Club.
James represents a big loss to Manchester United, however, with Bøe Risa’s addition, Manchester United’s football director John Murtough promised more, adding to the club website: “She is just one of a number of key signings we are making this summer as we look to build on last season with the women’s team.”
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
