Skinner signed a new contract in April 2025, tying him down until 2027 and with the option of a further year.
However, he has faced criticism from supporters throughout his five-year spell with many unhappy with performances, squad rotation which some believe has led to player departures, and a lack of use of United’s academy players.
But he also led United to their first major trophy by winning the FA Cup in 2024, and this season guided them to the Champions League quarter-finals in their debut campaign in the competition.
Skinner has needed to navigate controversial periods as a forced spokesperson for the women’s team, responding to questions about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments on the WSL side, the lack of ambition from the board in transfer windows, contract renewal negotiations and unsavoury departures of other star names.
Much like his spell in charge, this season has seen ups and downs. A significant highlight has been their European campaign, which club sources point to as a major step in the right direction.
No internal discussions have been held over Skinner’s future, with the club pleased overall with the campaign given the resources that have been available.
The lack of squad depth, which has heavily impacted results in the second half of the season, has been an issue the club is aware of. A failure to rectify the problem in January eventually took its toll as Skinner tried to manage multiple competitions.
But the internal ambitions were clear at the start of the season; to secure a top three spot in the WSL, be competitive in Europe and compete for a domestic trophy.
In terms of their league performance, it has been below par for United, and missing out on a Champions League spot would be a big disappointment.
Tensions rose at the weekend when United’s grasp of their European future loosened with the draw at Tottenham, with club representatives banning The Athletic from asking questions, external in a post-match media huddle.
It is not the first time a United manager has refused to speak to media – whether that be a club decision or a personal one – after Sir Alex Ferguson imposed a seven-year boycott of the BBC in 2004 after it made allegations against his son, Jason.
The controversial decision to shut out critical journalists will only heap more external pressure on Skinner, but his position at the club is unlikely to be tainted by their WSL positioning. European exploits and reaching the League Cup final are seen as ticks in the other boxes of their pre-season ambitions.
