Manchester United Women’s manager Marc Skinner said it was “hard” for him to hear the comments made by the club’s co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe but insisted they do not align with what he sees from INEOS’ day-to-day activity.
Ratcliffe told the United We Stand (UWS) fanzine last week: “There’s only so much that you can do and our focus has been on the men’s team. If not, you get spread too thinly. We need to sort out the main issue, the men’s team.”
The British billionaire has come under criticism for his frank approach regarding his attitude towards the women’s team.
“Words are cheap but actions last longer,” said Skinner when asked about Ratcliffe’s comments in his pre-match press conference on Friday. “I see the actions. It’s hard for me to hear those comments but actually that’s not what I see from the (INEOS) working group that is with us everyday.
“Would I love the biggest budget in the league? Of course I would, I think everyone would. Everyone in this room wants a sustainable game. We want to grow, we want women to have the same rights, to grow those rights, to have the finances available for all resources. But unfortunately we’ve got to work for that because we’re starting from behind.”
Despite Ratcliffe’s comments, Skinner is adamant that his team has the club’s backing. “Support isn’t always finance,” he said. “It’s knowing you’ve got a strategy. I feel supported in the fact that everybody in this club wants our team to do well and we’re going to grow towards a sustainable model.
“There’s a lot reported about us and I understand why. But when you feel it, when you’re internal, it’s not a lie. We’re not lying. But there are different ways you can show support.”
Following the departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth, tasked with delivering a successful women’s team, Skinner now reports directly to chief operating officer Colette Roche and technical director Jason Wilcox.
United, who sit fourth in the Women’s Super League, play their last game of 2024 against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
(Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
