Manchester United Women face bigger questions after Skinner departure
Marc Skinner’s departure has left Manchester United Women facing questions that go far beyond who will be standing on the touchline when the new Women’s Super League season begins.
Skinner left by mutual agreement on Monday after five years in charge. His spell included United’s first major women’s trophy in the 2024 FA Cup and their first Champions League campaign.
There were also valid football reasons for making a change. United’s form declined during the closing stages of last season, while sections of the support had questioned Skinner’s tactics and whether he could take the team any further.
However, the timing and circumstances of his departure make this more complicated than a straightforward managerial change.
Reuters reported after Skinner’s departure that he had publicly called for increased investment following last season.
United now have only a month before their WSL opener away to London City Lionesses on 4 September.
Marc Skinner has departed his role as Manchester United Women head coach.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Marc for his significant contribution over the last five years ❤️
🔗 https://t.co/ALHdfpzNRz pic.twitter.com/Rj4LYhcoqc
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) August 3, 2026
United cannot afford to let another important summer drift.
ReadManUtd reported following Skinner’s departure that the club had already begun the process of identifying his replacement, with developing young players understood to be an important part of the brief.
That approach has merit. United have invested in their academy pathway and want talented young players to have a clearer route into the senior side.
However, developing players cannot become a substitute for strengthening the first team.
Maya Le Tissier has since made clear that the squad understands the club’s emphasis on youth. ReadManUtd reported on Tuesday that United have also told the players they still intend to add a centre-back and left-winger before the new season.
Those additions now carry even greater importance.
Skinner repeatedly spoke about the need for United to keep progressing. They have reached major cup finals and competed in Europe, but staying close to the WSL’s leading clubs requires the squad to improve rather than simply replace departures.
Manchester United Women cannot let youth strategy limit ambition
United appear to have decided how they want the next phase of the project to look.
The Guardian reports that United are close to appointing former Hearts manager Eva Olid, with her record of developing players understood to have impressed the hierarchy.
United are also reportedly looking to build a more sustainable model centred heavily around younger talent.
There is nothing inherently wrong with that strategy. United should produce players through their academy and avoid spending without a clear plan.
The concern is whether sustainability eventually becomes another word for accepting a greater gap to clubs willing to invest more heavily.
United already possess established internationals such as Le Tissier and Ella Toone. Players at that level will want to compete for trophies rather than spend several seasons waiting for a long-term project to develop around them.
That is where the club must provide clarity.
Eva Olid appointment can only be the beginning
Moving quickly for Olid would at least give the squad leadership before preparations for the new season advance much further.
She would still inherit a difficult situation. Recruitment remains unfinished, the WSL season begins on 4 September and the squad must adapt to a new coaching structure at short notice.
None of that makes failure inevitable. A strong appointment followed by sensible recruitment could change the mood around the team quickly.
However, replacing Skinner only answers one question.
United must now show what they expect their women’s team to become. If the ambition remains competing near the top of the WSL, the next head coach needs enough support to make that realistic.
Skinner has gone. Responsibility now sits with the people deciding what Manchester United Women look like next.
Eric McPallister is a Manchester United writer for ReadManUtd.com, covering the latest news, transfers, tactical developments and major talking points from Old Trafford. With a strong understanding of the club’s history, culture and expectations, Eric provides clear, supporter-focused analysis that looks beyond the headlines. His work combines breaking news with informed opinion, helping United fans understand not only what is happening at the club, but why it matters. From first-team performances and emerging academy talent to recruitment decisions and the long-term direction of Manchester United, Eric delivers balanced, engaging coverage written with the supporters in mind.
View all articles →
dave.sport is in beta
We are building a new home for independent sports coverage. dave.sport is currently in beta, with new features and publisher tools rolling out as we test what fans need most.
Explore the beta
Man Utd face £60m Lewis Hall decision after Newcastle stance
Man Utd face £60m Lewis Hall decision after Newcastle stance
Manchester United confirm record £20m-a-year sponsorship deal
Manchester United confirm record £20m-a-year sponsorship deal