Skinner leaves Man Utd Women

Marc Skinner has left his role as Manchester United Women head coach after five years in charge. <p>Skinner signed a new two-year contract at the club last summer, before leading United to fourth in last season's Women's Super League, missing out on European qualification as a result.</p><p>During his time at the club, Skinner reached three consecutive Women's FA Cup finals, winning the trophy in 2024 - which was United's first major honour.</p><p>United finished as Women's Super League runners-up in 2023 - and Skinner took the club to the Champions League quarter-finals and League Cup final last season.</p><ul><li><a href="https://qrcode.skysports.com/TransfersSkySportsApp" target="_blank"><strong>Transfer Centre LIVE!</strong></a> <strong>| <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/36996/13208899/wsl-news-transfers-rumours-gossip-and-womens-football-latest">WSL latest news and transfers</a></strong></li><li><strong>Got Sky? <a href="https://qrcode.skysports.com/skysports/WatchPremarticles" target="_blank">Watch WSL games LIVE on your phone</a></strong><strong>📱</strong></li><li><strong>Not got Sky? <a href="https://www.sky.com/tv/sports?dcmp=Ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink" target="_blank">Get Sky Sports</a> or <a href="http://www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink" target="_blank">stream with no contract on NOW</a></strong><strong>📺</strong></li></ul><p>A statement from United read: "Marc leaves having made a significant contribution to the continued progress of Manchester United Women.</p><p>"The club places on record its sincere thanks for his professionalism, commitment and dedication throughout his time at United, and wishes him every success in the future."</p><widget id="4"></widget><p>Skinner leaves Man Utd just over a month before their first WSL game of the season at London City Lionesses on September 4.</p><p>It will be a tricky start to the season for United, who also face Chelsea and Arsenal in their first three matches.</p><h3>Analysis: Why Skinner has left</h3><p><em>Sky Sports News' Danyal Khan:</em></p><p><em>Sky Sports News understands </em>the decision to part ways with Skinner was decided after a series of talks over the summer regarding the future direction of the club.</p><p>Skinner took the club to four domestic cup finals in four years, while also leading United to their first major trophy - winning the 2024 FA Cup final against Tottenham.</p><p>The change of approach by United is understood to revolve around developing more homegrown players while also transitioning to a more exciting style of football - a particular critique by fans towards the end of Skinner's reign.<br /><br />United believe investing more significantly in their academy will lead to longer-term success rather than higher investment in the transfer market which they currently believe - is unsustainable.</p><p><em>Sky Sports News </em>also understands the club believe they are in a position to announce a new head coach quickly as background checks have already began over potential candidates.</p><p>A key quality the club are looking for is a coach with a track record of improving and developing players.</p><h3><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/36996/13567659/womens-super-league-fixtures-2026-27-man-city-host-birmingham-city-and-london-city-lionesses-face-man-utd-in-opening-round">Man Utd's tricky start to the WSL season</a></h3><p><strong>September 4: </strong>London City Lionesses (A), kick-off 7pm - live on <em>Sky Sports</em></p><p><strong>September 13:</strong> Chelsea (H), kick-off 12pm, live on <em>Sky Sports</em></p><p><strong>September 19</strong>: Arsenal (A), kick-off 5.30pm, live on <em>Sky Sports</em></p><p><strong>September 27</strong>: West Ham (H), kick-off 1pm, live on <em>Sky Sports</em></p>