Spotlight on Manchester United Women after Villa dispatched
Mar 24, 2025
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Charlotte Harpur, a football journalist and analyst specializing in women’s football, joins the discussion about the current state of Manchester United Women. They dive into the team’s strong performance despite key player departures and crowd attendance challenges. Topics include the uncertainty surrounding Marc Skinner's future, aspirations for Champions League qualification, and the need for better promotion of women’s football. They also reflect on the importance of fan engagement in boosting support for the team.
Despite facing challenges and uncertainties, Manchester United Women are making strides towards Champions League qualification, marked by recent strong performances like their 4-0 victory over Aston Villa.
The financial disparities in women's football, particularly against rivals like Chelsea, underscore the need for strategic recruitment to bolster Manchester United's competitiveness for future success.
Deep dives
Manchester United Women's Team Performance
The Manchester United women's team is currently third in the Women's Super League (WSL), showcasing significant progress toward their goal of Champions League qualification. Despite a recent setback against Liverpool, they rebounded with a 4-0 victory over Aston Villa, illustrating their potential for success. However, their upcoming matches against top competitors like Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal pose a significant challenge. Overall, achieving Champions League qualification would mark a successful season for the team, especially following a turbulent previous year characterized by key player departures.
Challenges Ahead for Mark Skinner
Questions surrounding the managerial prowess of Mark Skinner persist, as he navigates a critical period with the option to extend his contract nearing its deadline. While the team has performed admirably, there is ongoing debate about whether Skinner is the right fit to elevate the squad further. The lack of a clear strategy for player recruitment and budget allocation raises concerns about the women's team's long-term direction. Ultimately, the management's commitment to Skinner and a potential restructuring will be vital for the team's aspirations in the coming seasons.
Budget Disparities in Women's Football
The financial disparities within women's football are evident, particularly when comparing clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United. Chelsea's significantly higher budget of £13.1 million dwarfs United's £7.1 million expenditure, highlighting the challenges United faces in recruitment and player retention. This financial context has implications for the competitiveness of the WSL, as Chelsea's strategic recruitment has set a benchmark that United aspires to meet. Fostering growth and attracting top talent will be crucial for Manchester United to achieve their goal of winning the WSL by 2028.
The Impact of Player Departures
Recent seasons have seen key player departures from the Manchester United women's team, which has affected both performance and fan engagement. The loss of well-known players like Mary Earps and Alessia Russo has left a gap in star power that significantly influences attendance and marketing potential. Engagement efforts for the women's team must focus on storytelling and championing current players to rebuild a connection with fans. By highlighting the achievements and personalities of remaining squad members, Manchester United can enhance attendance and support for the women's side amidst these changes.
It's been an 'interesting' time for Manchester United Women in the last two years or so. Big names have left, crowd numbers wobbling, yet the team's performance is impressively robust.
Uncertainty remains, though, with Marc Skinner's future unclear, an interim boss, and significant question marks about Sir Jim Ratcliffe's enthusiasm for the project.
Charlotte Harpur joins Ian, Carl, and Andy, to look at their pursuit of Champions League football, derby day success, and another FA Cup win.