2 hours ago
5
Manchester United sit top of the Women’s Super League, albeit two games in. A 3-1 aggregate win over the Norwegian side Brann on Thursday ensured they escaped the Champions League qualifying stage for the first time. The new signing Jess Park has hit the ground running. Elisabeth Terland has scored two hat-tricks.
This should be fuelling positivity and hope, but not even the impressive start can cut through the cloud of disillusionment and frustration felt by fans and those watching the club from further afield. Why does this growing apathy exist? Why, even if United beat the European champions, Arsenal, at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday, will it not go away?
In part, because of a feeling of missed opportunity. United have, arguably, overachieved, regularly challenging at the top of the WSL and reaching three FA Cup finals in the past three years, winning the competition in 2024. They are operating on a much smaller budget than Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City and their potential is being harmed by an ownership that appears not to care.
Alongside the lack of investment in the squad, issues with the environment and Marc Skinner’s management style are seen as not helping. United are struggling to hold on to their best players, with one or two big names departing each year. Grace Clinton’s exit this month will be particularly frustrating given her promise, but it was a shrewd decision by the club given they risked losing her next summer for free at the end of her contract, as happened with Alessia Russo, Ona Batlle and Mary Earps.
A question must be asked: why have none of the departing players wanted to stay? The club’s attitude may be one reason. Clinton’s leaving note contained a parting shot. “I feel the future of the club and I aren’t on the same page,” she said. “For me personally, the next step is about growth, I want to continue to develop and learn.”
Many fans believe Skinner is the problem. The absence of a mention of the manager, or thanks, in the statements of most departing players and in their subsequent interviews has been glaring. Some time ago ja player who had recently left United was asked what she thought of SkinnerShe paused for some time, her face in a grimace, before replying: “Intense, very very intense.”
It is hard to judge Skinner fairly given the circumstances he is operating in, including an environment in which the women’s team last year were made to move out of their training centre into portable buildings for months to accommodate the men. His lack of rotation has been criticised, but there is a togetherness in the squad and a grit that has defied the lack of investment.
The three signings this summer were good. Julia Zigiotti Olme and Park have settled quickly and Fridolina Rolfö came on against Brann and London City as she returns from injury. However, the recruitment was woefully inadequate for a team looking to wrestle with the big three and compete in the Champions League.
The risk taken by United’s moneymen is evident in the matchday squads. For the opening WSL game against Leicester, United named five of nine possible substitutes, including the 18-year-old midfielder Mared Griffiths and a goalkeeper. In the first leg against Brann there were eight on the bench (four fewer than their opponents), including two 17-year-olds, Griffiths and two goalkeepers. There were seven in reserve for the second leg against Brann, again including two keepers.
after newsletter promotion
One or two key injuries and United are in big trouble. They have lost the centre-back Millie Turner to a knee injury, the extent of which is not going to be revealed until after the Arsenal game, and an injury to Maya Le Tissier or Dominique Janssen would leave them with one recognised centre-back.
To some extent United have been able to ride through seasons with a squad of limited depth. How much more they might have been able to do domestically with greater depth will remain unanswered. This season, with Champions League football secured, their squad is going to be stretched to its limits.
“I’m with the fans, I echo their sentiment that in the winter window we need to do work,” said Skinner recently. “We need to add to this already super-talented squad. We need more depth and high quality in certain areas. I’m with that.
“I must stress, though, I can’t do anything until January. So now my sole focus is on getting the very best of these players and giving them the right rest and recovery so we don’t risk injury, while also trying to get the rotation right. I understand it, but I can’t do anything about it apart from try and recruit players ready for the winter window.”
The commitment of Arsenal stands in stark contrast, but it took them time to get to this point, an internal review towards the end of Joe Montemurro’s tenure helping to address the gap that was opening between them and a rampant Chelsea.
Can United beat Arsenal on Sunday? Absolutely, even having played in Europe three days earlier, and that adds to the sense of disappointment. United are close, but are being held back.
“They’ve got a lot of quality and they’ve paid for a lot of quality,” Skinner said pointedly of Arsenal. “They were the club to make the first £1m transfer. What Arsenal have done is they’ve invested in changing games. So, even if they’re not very good they have players that can win a game on their own. We don’t have that. We’ve got to make sure our team fights and tries to beat those individuals in those moments. It’ll be tough, but we’re going to give it our absolute best.”
