Are Manchester United judged differently to other WSL sides?

Manchester United's women's team has again found itself in the headlines for the wrong reasons following the departure of manager Marc Skinner. The club has faced sustained criticism over its perceived lack of investment in the women's side since it was reformed as a professional outfit in 2018. Quiet transfer windows, high-profile departures, a lack of silverware, and scrutiny over facilities have been well documented.

Sources at the club have voiced frustrations over their treatment in the media, which escalated last season when The Athletic was banned from asking questions in a post-match huddle with Skinner. United, proud to call themselves one of the biggest clubs in the world, now face the question: are they judged differently as a result?

What are the issues being raised?

Skinner's departure came after months of hints at his frustrations over the lack of investment in his squad. His side finished inside the Women's Super League's top three on two occasions, reached three successive FA Cup finals, delivered a first major trophy, and made it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League at the first time of asking.

Some criticism towards Skinner came from United's own fanbase, who held banners up at Leigh Sports Village calling for his sacking in 2024. Unhappiness also appeared to be based on performances against their WSL top-three rivals Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, rather than just results.

Media repeatedly pointed out the club's lack of investment, which followed ex-manager Casey Stoney stepping down in 2021 because of growing concerns over a lack of resources and the state of facilities. United took so long to form a professional women's set-up that when they did in 2018—hiring Stoney as manager and recruiting a number of Lionesses, including current Manchester City captain Alex Greenwood, to play in the second tier—the assumption was they intended to battle it out with England's elite.

But eight years on, they have delivered just one major trophy and are in danger of slipping below their rivals again this season. High-profile reports on United's inadequate training facilities circulated in 2024 when the women's team were moved out of their Carrington training site and into temporary buildings to make way for the men's first team.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments about the women's team were also scrutinised. Speaking to the United We Stand fanzine, Ratcliffe described the men's team as the "main issue" and referred to the women's side as "girls" and "an opportunity."

United also lost a number of key first-team members of staff. Former assistant coach Martin Ho is now enjoying success as Tottenham manager and was joined by goalkeeping coach Ian Willcock in April, while another former assistant, Charlotte Healy, became head coach at WSL 2 club Bristol City last year.

Big-name players, including England duo Alessia Russo and Mary Earps, as well as Spain full-back Ona Batlle, were allowed to leave on free transfers. This summer, they lost their star striker Melvine Malard to rivals Chelsea and are yet to sign a replacement, although the £850,000 fee will prove useful.

Given the talent at United's disposal during their eight-year existence, it is understandable that questions have been asked over the club's inability to keep hold of them.

What criticism have other clubs faced?

United's reputation, built on the history of the men's teams' successes, means fans demand trophies and expect to see ambition. That is no different to other big clubs, such as Liverpool, West Ham, or Tottenham, who all have women's teams that have been competing at a lower level. Spurs did not gain promotion to the WSL until 2019 and have been flirting with lower and mid-table spots until more recently under Ho.