Skinner’s departure came after months of hints at his frustrations over the lack of investment in his squad.
His side finished inside the Women’s Super League’s top three on two occasions, reached three successive FA Cup finals, delivered a first major trophy and made it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League at the first time of asking.
Some criticism towards Skinner came from United’s own fanbase, as they held banners up at Leigh Sports Village calling for his sacking in 2024.
Unhappiness also appeared to be based on their performances against their WSL top-three rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, rather than just results.
Meanwhile, media repeatedly pointed out the club’s lack of investment, which followed ex-manager Casey Stoney stepping down in 2021 because of growing concerns over a lack of resources and the state of facilities.
United took so long to form a professional women’s set-up that when they did in 2018 – hiring Stoney as manager and recruiting a number of Lionesses, including current Manchester City captain Alex Greenwood to play in the second tier – the assumption was they intended to battle it out with England’s elite.
But eight years on, they have delivered just one major trophy and are in danger of slipping below their rivals again this season.
High-profile reports on United’s inadequate training facilities circled in 2024 when the women’s team were moved out of their Carrington training site and into temporary buildings to make way for the men’s first team.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments about the women’s team were also scrutinised. Speaking to the United We Stand fanzine, Ratcliffe described the men’s team as the “main issue” and referred to the women’s side as “girls” and “an opportunity”.
United also lost a number of key first-team members of staff.
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-name players, including England duo Alessia Russo and Mary Earps, as well as Spain full-back Ona Batlle, were allowed to leave on free transfers.
This summer, they lost their star striker Melvine Malard to rivals Chelsea and are yet to sign a replacement, although the £850,000 fee will prove useful.
Given the talent at United’s disposal during their eight-year existence, it is understandable that questions have been asked over the club’s inability to keep hold of them.
