Manchester United Women head into the new Women's Super League season facing uncertainty.
With just a month until the campaign begins, the club is without a permanent manager, has made only limited additions to the squad, and continues to face questions over its long-term commitment to the women's team.
Marc Skinner's departure by mutual consent after five years has reignited concerns that United risk falling behind their WSL rivals.
Manchester United confirmed on Monday that Skinner had left the club by mutual agreement, ending a tenure that included the club's first major trophy.
As recently as April, Skinner insisted he had "no doubts" about his future, and there had been no internal discussions regarding his position before the World Sevens tournament in May.
Although United missed out on a top-three WSL finish by nine points and lost the League Cup final to Chelsea, they reached the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finals and remained competitive despite operating with a significantly smaller budget than the league's biggest clubs.
United's wage bill stood at £5.9 million in 2024-25, compared to Chelsea's £14.5 million, making their performances all the more impressive.
However, as preparations for the new season began, it became clear that Skinner and the club no longer shared the same vision.
Club sources indicate Manchester United are shifting towards a more sustainable model built around youth development and long-term financial stability.
Skinner, meanwhile, had repeatedly voiced concerns over the lack of investment in the first-team squad.
Following a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in March, he said:
"The team are giving absolutely everything they can. It's clear to me that if we get the right investment in the right areas, then we can meet those expectations."
He repeated similar calls after the League Cup final defeat to Chelsea and again at the end of the season.
Despite those requests, United's transfer activity has been modest.
The club have signed Andrea Medina, a 22-year-old defender, and goalkeeper Janina Leitzig, who is expected to provide backup for first-choice goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
Meanwhile, several WSL rivals have strengthened significantly.
Arsenal have recruited England midfielder Georgia Stanway and Spain international Ona Batlle, while Chelsea paid £850,000 to sign one of United's standout performers, Melvine Malard.
With mounting pressure from supporters, limited squad investment and growing differences over recruitment strategy, Skinner's position ultimately became unsustainable.
This is not the first time Manchester United's commitment to the women's team has been questioned.
Former manager Casey Stoney resigned in 2021 over concerns surrounding resources and facilities.
Those concerns resurfaced in 2024 following reports about inadequate training facilities, while comments made by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding the women's team also attracted criticism.
United have also seen several experienced staff members depart.
Former assistant Martin Ho is now enjoying success as Tottenham manager, while goalkeeping coach Ian Willcock joined him earlier this year. Another former assistant, Charlotte Healy, became Bristol City's head coach last season.
Skinner also endured criticism after several key players left the club on free transfers, including England internationals Alessia Russo and Mary Earps, as well as Spain defender Ona Batlle.
Despite the criticism, Manchester United believe they are building for the future.
Determined not to lose more key players without compensation, the club sold Melvine Malard for a significant fee last month, with the proceeds expected to be reinvested.
They also received six-figure transfer fees for Millie Turner and Lisa Naalsund, who both joined Birmingham City.
United have also increased investment in their academy.
The club confirmed in July that the girls' academy will train at Carrington, the men's first-team training base, from this season onwards.
Club officials insist the strategy centres on developing homegrown talent while ensuring financial sustainability, amid concerns that current spending levels across the Women's Super League are difficult to maintain.
Manchester United are already well into the process of appointing Skinner's successor.
The club are prioritising a head coach with a proven record of developing young players, a philosophy that aligns with their long-term vision.
Without European football this season, United believe there will be greater opportunities to give academy graduates meaningful minutes in the WSL.
The biggest question remains whether patience will satisfy supporters eager to see the club compete for major honours.
Former manager Casey Stoney believes greater investment remains essential if United are to challenge the league's elite.
"Are they at the level of the other top clubs? Possibly not in terms of wages and recruitment.
"If they do want to go higher, they are going to have to invest in the squad and get more depth.
"You're only ever as good as the team you can put out on the pitch. It's about the investment you're prepared to put in."
As Manchester United prepare for a new era, the club faces a defining choice: continue prioritising long-term sustainability or increase investment to compete immediately with the Women's Super League's biggest spenders.
