Manchester United manager Marc Skinner has signed a one-year contract extension with the club, with an option for a further 12 months.
Skinner, 41, joined United in 2021 and led the club to their best-ever league finish last season with a second-place berth and a maiden Women’s FA cup final, falling short to Chelsea on both occasions.
However, the future of the United boss has come under intense scrutiny in recent months amid a disappointing season. United were dumped out of the Champions League qualifying stages and have slumped to fifth in the league table, well off the pace of the European spaces.
United did win this year’s Women’s FA Cup, thumping Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Wembley to claim the women’s team’s first major honour since their reformation in 2018. And the victory was believed to have aided in ongoing discussions between Skinner and the club’s hierarchy regarding his future.
Skinner has consistently cut a bullish figure when queried on his future at the club, while voicing his enthusiasm about working with new minority owners INEOS.
On his new deal, Skinner said: “It’s an honour to extend my stay at Manchester United. I’ve always felt at home here, with our excellent players, staff and fans.
"Being able to secure the team’s first major trophy at Wembley was a real career highlight for me and another sign of our continued growth, on and off the field. Thanks to everyone who has supported me on this journey, and I look forward to creating many more winning memories together.”
Matt Johnson, interim head of women’s football, said: “Everyone at Manchester United is delighted to see Marc continue as women’s team head coach and build on the success of the team’s historic FA Cup win. Congratulations to Marc on his contract extension and we wish him and the team the best of luck going into the new season.”
While United are out of this season's title race, they have the opportunity to influence the outcome as they host title contenders and defending champions Chelsea on the final day of the season. A draw or win for United could hand the WSL title to their rivals Manchester City.