Marc Skinner has reiterated his desire to remain as Manchester United Women’s manager after guiding his side to their maiden major trophy with Sunday’s FA Cup final win.
United beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Wembley to secure their first piece of silverware since the women’s team’s reformation in 2018, but Skinner has come in for criticism from sections of supporters after a disappointing season in the Women’s Super League.
The Athletic reported in April United had offered the 41-year-old a new contract, with his deal set to expire in the summer.
The decision to offer Skinner an extension was made by United’s incumbent football leadership along with oversight from new minority owners INEOS, and the United manager said the club are in “fantastic hands”.
Asked if he expects to continue at United next season, Skinner replied: “I hope so. We’ve created history and I’ve got to live in that moment.
“I’m pretty good at times. I know people tell me I’m not but I’m actually OK. You can’t be at Manchester United if you are weak in the mind.
“I believe in myself fully. I’m still a babe in terms of my career so I’ve got lots to achieve in this game.
“I feel the club is in fantastic hands and hopefully I’m here to be able to push forward. I’m happy with the job that I’m doing at Manchester United.”
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Skinner was appointed United manager in 2021 following Casey Stoney’s resignation and secured Women’s Champions League qualification for the first time last season.
However, key players Alessia Russo and Ona Batlle departed in the summer, and United failed to reach the Champions League group stages.
Skinner’s side sit fifth in the WSL with one game remaining, and should they fail to leapfrog fourth place Liverpool on the final day of the season they will record their worst league finish since their promotion to the top flight in 2019.
The Athletic reported earlier this year that a small group of supporters were warned about singing ‘we want Skinner out’ after players and staff were said to have become uncomfortable with the chanting.
United’s season will, however, end with silverware for the first time after goals from Ella Toone, Rachel Williams and two from Lucia Garcia secured victory over Spurs in the FA Cup final. They were watched at Wembley by co-owner Avram Glazer and several senior representatives from INEOS, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided to attend Old Trafford for the men’s side’s Premier League loss to Arsenal.
“The players were messaged (by Ratcliffe) and I was messaged this morning,” Skinner added.
“We had more than enough representation from our club here and I’m only excited about what Sir Jim is going to bring to Manchester United.”
United’s season concludes with the visit of title-chasing Chelsea on Saturday.
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(Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
