Just a month before the Women’s Super League opener, Manchester United Women lost their head coach as Marc Skinner departed, following talks over the summer about the club’s future direction. The decision echoed earlier tensions over investment, highlighted when Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of INEOS, said in June 2024 that the women's side had not yet received “that level of detail” and that focus had been on first‑team issues for the first six months.

Skinner, who had signed a new two‑year deal last summer, had repeatedly called for more funding to keep the team competitive, yet the club’s new strategy now prioritises academy development and a long‑term build‑up, with a target to win the league by 2028. The shift means the club will rely more on home‑grown talent than costly transfers – a move that has led to the sale of key players such as Melvine Malard to Chelsea for around £750,000.

While Skinner guided the squad to four finals and their first major trophy in 2023/24, consistency, especially defensively, remained an issue. Fans were split on his tenure – praised for his attacking philosophy but criticised for inconsistent performances.

The departure leaves United in a period of transition, as they navigate new priorities and the challenge of maintaining competitiveness amid rivals’ strengthened squads.