Manchester United release Marc Skinner statement as Ineos decision confirmed

Marc Skinner has been at the helm at Manchester United for the past four years

Manchester United Women's manager Marc Skinner has penned a new deal with the club, extending his tenure until June 2027, with the possibility of an additional year.

Now in his fourth season at the helm after taking over from Casey Stoney in summer 2021, Skinner led United to their inaugural major silverware last season with an FA Cup triumph.

In a statement released by United, Skinner expressed his enthusiasm: "It has been an absolute privilege to serve as head coach for this fantastic football club for the past four years, and I am delighted to be extending my time in the role for at least a further two years.

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"We are building a young, hungry team with the aim of challenging consistently for further trophies.

"There is still more hard work ahead, including this season, but the players and staff have already shown their determination to succeed, and I am looking forward to us taking the next steps in our journey together."

Under Skinner's guidance, United finished fourth in their first season, then climbed to second place behind Chelsea in the Women's Super League in 2023. They were also FA Cup finalists that year, narrowly losing 1-0 to Chelsea.

The following year, they secured the cup with a resounding 4-0 win against Tottenham at Wembley. However, they concluded the league season in fifth place, and their Champions League aspirations were cut short in the qualifying rounds by Paris St Germain.

Manchester United's women's team is firmly on the path to qualify for next season's Champions League, currently holding third place in the WSL, on equal points with Arsenal in second and sitting six points adrift of leaders Chelsea – with a cushion of seven points above fourth-placed Manchester City with just four matches remaining. Their ambition extends beyond league success; they have also secured a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals and are set to square off against City in an away fixture next week.

United’s technical director Jason Wilcox has voiced his support, commenting: "Marc's record since taking charge speaks for itself, having delivered our first major women's silverware and firmly established us among the leading teams in the WSL."

Wilcox added confidence in the team's future under current leadership: "After a major overhaul last summer, we have an exciting, developing squad ready to compete for further success, and we are convinced that Marc is the right coach to lead that process."

United chief operating officer Collette Roche underscored the broader objectives, saying: "Building a successful and popular women's team is an important part of our wider, football-first strategy for the club.

"We appreciate the contribution that Marc has already made towards that goal, and we are delighted that he will continue to play a key role in the drive to put Manchester United at the forefront of growth in the women's game."