Manchester United have appointed Marc Skinner as women’s team leader after former manager Casey Stoney resigned at the end of the WSL season in May.
Skinner, who left his job at NWSL club Orlando Pride to take over at United, has signed a two-year contract until the end of the 2022/23 campaign, with the possibility of another year.
The 38-year-old previously had a successful spell responsible for Birmingham, and he oversaw a run that resulted in the Blues eventually finishing fourth in WSL 2018/19 and will be expected to continue where Stoney now ended 2021/22 is just around the corner.
“I am happy and proud to be the head coach of Manchester United. I look forward to working closely with the staff and this talented group of players,” Skinner told ManUtd.com.
“Our focus is to build on everything they have already achieved in the women’s game. It’s an exciting opportunity to lead the team to what will be a new competitive WSL season; I want us to succeed together and our goal is to give the fans a team they can continue to be proud of. “
United finished fourth in the WSL last season and barely missed a place in the Women’s Champions League after a disappointing run in the second half of the campaign. Getting into Europe is still the goal, but the competition will be tough with Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal, still favorites to end up in the top three and Everton will also improve significantly.
Casey Stoney resigns in May due to frustrations related to training conditions / James Gill – Danehouse / Getty Images
Without a manager and concerns from the existing squad about the direction of the club, United had a slow start to the summer transfer window. However, recruitment has increased significantly this month and five new positions have been created so far to strengthen the squad that Skinner has inherited.
Norway’s international Wild Boe Risa was the first through the door, with Hannah Blundell, Sophie Baggaley and Aoife Mannion all adding significant WSL experience. Ex-West Ham striker Martha Thomas became the fifth newcomer earlier this week.
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!
