Marc Skinner says he is “excited” about Manchester United’s potential ahead of the new Women’s Super League (WSL) season and believes his side have felt the support of the club’s leadership team.
United have seen changes made to their structure ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, with INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 27.7 per cent minority stake seeing them take control of sporting operations at Old Trafford.
Head coach Skinner praised United’s commitment to the women’s team, highlighting the influence of chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth, who have been overseeing day-to-day operations at the club.
“Dan is coming in this morning to speak to the players again, as he’s already been two or three times, about what it means to be at Manchester United, what we want to achieve,” Skinner said. “That shows the positivity around the club.
“I want to win a title this year. I don’t make excuses. I never have done. The energy that Dan, Omar, and the whole club are bringing towards the women’s team is so exciting. I’m excited about the team we have.”
United were active in the transfer window, securing six new signings: Celin Bizet, Elisabeth Terland, Dominique Janssen, Simi Awujo, and Anna Sandberg, along with making Melvine Malard’s move from Lyon permanent.
However, Skinner also saw key departures, with former captain Katie Zelem, goalkeeper Mary Earps, winger Lucia Garcia and forward Nikita Parris all leaving for new challenges.
While Skinner acknowledged there’s still room for improvement, he remains confident about United’s progress.
“I still think we have work to do as a whole club over the next two windows to get the players to be the final version,” he added. “But where we sit right now, I’m very happy with and I’m very happy with the commitment behind the team.
“You won’t get excuses from me. I’ve always been honest. I always will be. You’ll get hard work, all of my commitment, and a team that does that every single game. That’s what I can promise everybody.”
United begin their WSL campaign at home to West Ham United on Saturday.
(Charlotte Tattersall – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
