Manchester United women’s team head coach Marc Skinner has issued a passionate defense of INEOS’ commitment to his side.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS firm drew intense criticism and backlash after their decision to move the women’s team into temporary facilities for the entirety of the 2024/25 season.
This move was made to allow the men’s squad to use the women’s building while the men’s indoor facilities were undergoing a revamp.
It emerged that Skinner and his stars would move into portable buildings that would house everyday zones such as the changing rooms, team meeting rooms, office spaces and communal areas for the women’s players and staff.
In late June, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that The Professional Footballers’ Association were set to step in to seek conversations with United over their shocking treatment of last season’s Adobe FA Cup winners.
However, amidst all this, Skinner has insisted that INEOS and the new leadership group have the best interests of the women’s team at heart.
The 41-year-old coach said (via The Telegraph), “We went to St George’s Park, which was a fantastic experience because we got to gel together. But our training pitches that we train on every day are better than St George’s Park. Ours are newer so our pitches are better. You would eat your breakfast off our pitches – they are that incredible.”
“We’re not training in barracks. We are training in a facility that has been built on site for our players. It has all been branded up today [Monday] and the girls will move into it tomorrow. From my perspective, everything is growing from there.”
United were rocked with a number of high-profile summer departures including goalkeeper Mary Earps and club captain Katie Zelem.
According to Skinner, the Reds are still determined to build a top side.
“Dan Ashworth [sporting director] and Omar Berrada [CEO] have been fantastic and have both come in with real energy to speak to the group. I cannot tell you how personable and authentic those conversations were. They genuinely love women’s football and have a real burning ambition for it to be in the forefront of their direction.”
“There are a lot of people that want Man United to fail.”
“This season feels like we’re trying to build an impenetrable force again. We know there are a lot of people that want Man United to fail – it’s part of our game, it’s that tribal rivalry.”
“But from my perspective, I feel that in order for us to be successful you need that spark and I believe that the leaders we have in place now will help us to do that.”
Skinner revealed that Bruno Fernandes recently attended a women’s pre-season match after they crossed paths in the car park.
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