The decision to keep Mark Skinner on as the Manchester United Women’s manager has divided public opinion.
The news came after the side achieved a historic 4-0 win that saw them lift the women’s FA Cup — their first piece of major silverware since the team’s inception.
A significant segment of fans have been calling for Skinner to be sacked for several months after a challenging domestic season for the side.
The 41-year-old manager was given a one-year deal with an option to extend his tenure by a further 12 months if desired by the club.
Many fans voiced their opposition to the news after it was announced by the club on social media platform, X.
There were also some suggestions in the replies to the club’s tweet to bring back the previous women’s coach and former player, Casey Stoney.
Stoney stepped down in May 2021 after three years at the helm.
It was evident that the former manager still has a lot of support in the team’s fanbase with several tweets indicating that they wanted her brought back.
Skinner received criticism for his side failing to make it through the Champions League-group stage qualifiers against French club PSG in October last year.
“It is an honour to extend my stay at Manchester United.”
Mark Skinner on his new contract.
Skinner said that being able to secure the team’s first major trophy at Wembley was a career highlight for him and a sign of the continued growth of the women’s programme at Manchester United.
“I’ve always felt at home here, with our excellent players, staff and fans,” said Skinner.
Despite detractors who fired negative comments at the news, Skinner also had his fair share of supporters who backed the Manchester manager.
“I don’t believe you can sack a manager after having won your club’s first cup final 4-0, said one.
“But it’s very telling that it’s only a one-year extension,” the same account added.
“Let’s see what the future brings.”
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