Ineos will push Man United women’s team on to elite status, says boss Marc Skinner
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Manchester United's women's team manager Marc Skinner (in black) poses with his medal and staff after winning the FA Cup.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – Manchester United Women can be one of the elite teams in the game if they are backed by the club’s new minority investors Ineos, manager Marc Skinner said after they won their first FA Cup on May 12.
United thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 in the final at Wembley to win their first major trophy since being reformed in 2018.
It also salvaged a poor season for the team, who have gone from Women’s Super League title challengers in 2023 to fifth in the standings this campaign.
Skinner, who has faced questions over his future, remained upbeat that the FA Cup triumph could be the start of a glittering run.
“It feels like a really positive space to be in. We know as a club we want to be winning titles,” said the 41-year-old Briton, in charge since 2021.
“I’ve just been really excited by the energy that it’s (Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos investment) driving internally. It won’t be long until we’re talked about in the elite winning (space). I know what’s coming and it’s an exciting time to be a Manchester United fan.”
His contract is due to expire in the close season, but he has hope he will still be in the dugout come August.
“We have to deliver trophies for an expectant fanbase and our supporters, who are the best in the world. That pressure is a privilege. There’s so much more to come,” he added.
“I believe in myself fully. I’m still a baby in terms of my career, so I’ve got lots and lots to achieve. I feel the club are in fantastic hands and, hopefully, I’m here to be able to push forward with them.”
Ratcliffe was not at Wembley to witness the win, but unpopular majority owner Avram Glazer was present.
Ratcliffe chose to watch the men’s team lose a Premier League match to Arsenal at Old Trafford.
The 71-year-old Briton was criticised by some fans for his choice.
“This is so disrespectful to the women’s team. He should be ashamed,” read one online comment.
Another supporter said: “It comes off as poor leadership, as the women’s team are clearly shown not to be a priority when it is one football club”.
However, Skinner did not see it as a snub from the British billionaire towards the women’s side.
“We had more than enough representation from our club here. I’m only excited about what Sir Jim can bring to Manchester United,” he said.
It remains to be seen whether his team will be backed. REUTERS