Marc Skinner, 43, left his role as head coach of Manchester United Women by mutual consent ahead of the 2026-27 Women's Super League season, the club announced on August 3, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Skinner had led the squad since 2021, guiding them through five years marked by significant milestones [4, 1, 3].

During his tenure, Skinner secured the team's first major trophy, winning the Women's FA Cup in 2024 [4, 5]. Under his leadership, United Women also reached the Women's Champions League group stages for the first time in 2025 and advanced to several domestic cup finals [4, 1].

The club expressed gratitude in an official statement: "Marc Skinner has departed his role as head coach of Manchester United Women by mutual agreement. Marc leaves having made a significant contribution to the continued progress of Manchester United Women. The club places on record its sincere thanks for his professionalism, commitment and dedication throughout his time at United, and wishes him every success in the future" [1].

Skinner had publicly voiced concerns about insufficient investment in the women's squad during his spell, a factor reportedly discussed during the summer talks that led to his departure [4, 1, 3].

Manchester United women's captain Maya Le Tissier praised Skinner’s impact, saying, "The energy he brought to the club was amazing. No matter who comes and goes, we’ve always had that togetherness and that fight for each other and we stick together in tough moments" [5]. Fellow player Ella Toone added, "He wanted to tell the team before it came out. It was nice that he was able to tell us [and] he was able to say goodbye, because he’s done a lot for the club. We can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done, the hard work and the passion that he’s put into leading this team" [5].

The club is now actively searching for a replacement with experience in player development [4, 5]. While the squad has not yet been consulted on the appointment, players expect a new head coach to be named soon [5].

Manchester United Women will open their 2026-27 Women's Super League campaign at London City Lionesses on September 4, marking the start of the season without Skinner at the helm [4, 1, 3].