After Manchester United's 3-0 loss at Old Trafford against title leaders and local rivals Manchester City, it has been rumoured that Marc Skinner's job is at risk.
He currently sits fourth in the WSL, behind Chelsea (two points behind), Manchester City, and Arsenal (level on points with but with two games in hand), and is outside the European qualification spots for next season.
Last week's Manchester derby defeat was their second in a row, leaving supporters disappointed after a stronger start to the season.
It is understood that the manager is currently under serious review by club officials, with some unhappy with him due to recent poor performances.
They lost their first-ever League Cup final to Chelsea midway through March, an opinion that was incredibly weakened due to absences and injuries. They have now faced Chelsea in three finals, lost all of them, and have already been knocked out by the Blues in the FA Cup.
In his five years as manager, the 43-year-old has guided the side towards success, with them averaging two points per game during his reign so far at the club.
Skinner guided them to FA cup history between Chelsea in the semi-finals and winning the trophy in 2023/24, their first FA Cup trophy and second piece of silverware ever.
But it remains to be seen whether you can compete against the sides of Chelsea, Arsenal and City. But unlike those clubs, he has not necessarily had the signings or money to buy the elite players that other clubs have.
Some players are also understood to be concerned about him as the season approaches its end.
But, whilst he is under review, we understand that nothing is planned imminently, although not qualifying for next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League would put him under high levels of pressure, given that it is seen as a crucial objective at the club.
He also needs to figure out a way to turn over a 3-2 aggregate against Bayern Munich away on Wednesday in the Women's Champions League second leg of the quarter finals. If they manage that feat, they will likely face Barcelona in the semi-finals.
With a matter of points between them, Chelsea and the third place in the WSL and European football, the final game in the wall against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge could be crucial. However, they first have to get wins against the Spurs and Brighton.
This uncertainty in her future at the club is only amplified by the recent regulations by FIFA, which mandate all teams in the women's game, both club and country must have have at least one woman in a primary coaching role (Head or Assistant Coach), two female staff members on the matchday bench, and at least one woman on the medical team. For Manchester United, the senior technical setup remains male-dominated with no female assistant or coach. This is an issue for United, and Skinner could be the easy scapegoat if the performances also do not match. Only time will tell whether the current longest-serving WSL manager will be leaving the league.
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