Are Manchester United's women's team judged differently?
Manchester United's women's team has come in for a lot of criticism over the lack of investment and the departure of key players. This raises questions about the assessment of their performance compared to other clubs.
Will Manchester United's women's team be judged differently
According to Sports.
Background
Marc Skinner, who managed Manchester United's women's team, has resigned after months of frustration over the lack of investment in the squad. His departure could affect the dynamics within the team, especially with key players such as Alex Greenwood and Alessia Russo also under pressure. The club faces the challenge of appointing a new manager who can realize the team's ambitions in the competitive Liga Pro Femenina.
Why this matters
The criticism of Manchester United's women's team highlights wider concerns about investment in women's football, especially compared to other top clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea. The team's achievements under Marc Skinner, including finishing top three in the Women's Super League and winning a major trophy, are now overshadowed by questions about the club's future and support. This may have consequences for the attractiveness of the team for future players and sponsors.
Key points
- Manchester United's women's team is judged differently.
- Manchester United's women's team has come in for a lot of criticism over the lack of investment and the departure of key players.
- Are Man Utd judged differently to other WSL sides?.
The Manchester United women's team was again in negative news last week, this time following the departure of former manager Marc Skinner. The club has been heavily criticized for its apparent lack of investment in women's football since restructuring as a professional team in 2018. Recent seasons have been marked by quiet transfer windows, the departure of high-ranking players, a lack of trophies and concerns over facilities. There are voices of frustration within the club at the way they are treated in the media, which escalated last season when The Athletic was banned from asking questions during a post-match press opportunity with Skinner.
Manchester United consider themselves one of the biggest clubs in the world, but does that make them judged differently? Skinner's departure followed months of hinting at his frustrations at the lack of investment in his squad. His team finished in the top three of the Women's Super League twice, reached three consecutive FA Cup finals and captured a first major trophy, while finishing in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on their debut.
Criticism of Skinner also came from within the club's own fanbase, who held up signs at Leigh Sports Village calling for his sacking in 2024. However, the dissatisfaction seemed to be based not just on results, but also on performances against the WSL's top three: Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. The media repeatedly highlighted the club's lack of investment, which followed the departure of ex-manager Casey Stoney in 2021, who raised concerns about resources and the state of facilities.
It took years for United to form a professional women's team. When this finally happened in 2018, with Stoney as manager and the arrival of a number of Lionesses, including current Manchester City captain Alex Greenwood, the expectation was that they would compete with England's elite. But eight years later they have won just one major trophy and are once again in danger of sinking below their rivals.
Concerns about United's inadequate training facilities were raised in 2024, when the women's team was temporarily moved to other buildings to make room for the men's team. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments about the women's team were also scrutinized. Speaking to the fanzine United We Stand, he described the men's team as the "main issue" and called the women's team "girls" and "an opportunity".
In addition, the club has lost several key staff members. Former assistant coach Martin Ho is now enjoying success as Tottenham manager and was joined by goalkeeping coach Ian Willcock in April, while another former assistant, Charlotte Healy, became head coach at WSL 2 club Bristol City last year. Big names, including England players Alessia Russo and Mary Earps, and Spanish defender Ona Batlle, were allowed to leave on free transfers. This summer they lost their star player Melvine Malard to rivals Chelsea and have yet to sign a replacement, although the £850,000 they received will help.
Given the talent United have had over the last eight years, it is understandable that there are questions about the club's ability to retain these players. United's reputation, built on the successes of its men, means fans demand trophies and expect ambition. This is no different to other big clubs such as Liverpool, West Ham or Tottenham, all of which have women's teams that have competed at a lower level. Tottenham were only promoted to the WSL in 2019 and until recently flirted with lower positions in the league under Ho. West Ham remains the only WSL club not to have played in the men's stadium and is often criticized for the lack of investment.
What's happening now
With Skinner's departure, it is unclear who will take over his role and what direction the Manchester United women's team will take. The club must now decide whether to invest further in their women's team to remain competitive in the Liga Pro Femenina and the Women's Super League. In addition, the reaction of the fan base and the media will be crucial for the future of the club and their image within women's football.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Manchester United women's team?
Manchester United's women's team has received negative press due to the departure of former manager Marc Skinner and criticism of the lack of investment in women's football.
Who confirmed Marc Skinner's departure?
The departure of Marc Skinner has been confirmed by the club, which has also acknowledged the criticism of investments in women's football.
Why is this a topic of discussion now?
This topic is now topical due to the continued criticism of the club regarding the investments and performance of the team, especially after Skinner's departure.
What changes are there in the team after Skinner's departure?
After Skinner's departure, there is uncertainty about the future of the team and possible changes in the management structure and investments.
How is Manchester United's women's team rated compared to other WSL teams?
Manchester United's women's team is judged differently due to the expectations associated with the club's status and criticism of the lack of investment compared to other top clubs in the WSL.
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