Marc Skinner Departs Manchester United After Transformative Five-Year Spell

The announcement comes just weeks before the start of the 2026/27 Women’s Super League season, with the club now facing the challenge of appointing a new manager ahead of another campaign in which expectations will once again be high.

Skinner arrived at United in 2021 after a spell with Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Tasked with building on the foundations laid during the club’s rapid rise, he quickly established a competitive side capable of challenging the traditional powers of English women’s football.

Under his leadership, Manchester United enjoyed some of the most successful years in the club’s history. The highlight came in 2024 when Skinner guided the team to the Women’s FA Cup title, securing the first major trophy since the women’s team was re-established in 2018. The triumph was widely regarded as a landmark moment, cementing United’s place among the country’s elite clubs.

Beyond lifting silverware, Skinner also led United to a runners-up finish in the Women’s Super League, earning qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the first time. His side consistently competed in the latter stages of domestic cup competitions, reaching multiple finals and establishing a reputation for disciplined defending, tactical flexibility and a resilient mentality.

However, the 2025/26 campaign proved more challenging. Manchester United finished fourth in the league standings, narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification. Although the team reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League and another domestic cup final, the inability to secure a top-three league finish ultimately fell short of the club’s ambitions.

In a statement, Manchester United thanked Skinner for his professionalism, dedication and contribution to the continued development of the women’s programme. Club officials praised the progress made during his tenure and acknowledged the important role he played in raising standards both on and off the pitch.

Skinner also paid tribute to the players, staff and supporters who backed him throughout his time at Old Trafford. He expressed pride in what the team had achieved together, highlighting the FA Cup victory, European qualification and the growth of the club as milestones that will remain special memories.

His departure comes after months of speculation regarding his future, with reports suggesting discussions over the club’s long-term sporting direction and the desire to strengthen the squad played a role in the decision. While both parties have described the separation as amicable, it signals the beginning of a new era for Manchester United Women.

Attention will now turn to the search for Skinner’s successor. The club is expected to move quickly to ensure a smooth transition before the new season begins, with the aim of returning to the Champions League places and mounting another serious challenge for domestic honours.

Marc Skinner leaves Manchester United having overseen one of the most significant periods in the club’s history. His legacy is defined not only by silverware but also by establishing United as consistent contenders at the highest level of the women’s game. Whoever succeeds him will inherit a talented squad and the expectation of building on the strong foundation he leaves behind.