Manchester United boss Marc Skinner has acknowledged that he is ultimately responsible for the team's recent struggles, following a frustrating 1-1 draw with Brighton that extended their winless run to just one victory in nine matches.
It took a stoppage-time equalizer from Lea Schuller to salvage a point for United at Leigh Sports Village, preventing what would have been a damaging defeat to a rapidly improving Brighton side. The result leaves the Red Devils sitting fourth in the Women's Super League, one point behind third-placed Arsenal, who now need just three points from their final four games to effectively end United's hopes of Champions League qualification.
This has been a season of near-misses for Skinner's squad. After a promising start that included a Champions League play-off triumph over Atletico Madrid in February, the team has seen their campaign unravel. They've suffered defeats in both the League Cup and FA Cup finals to Chelsea, were eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich, and have now taken just six points from their last five league outings.
"I hear it, I feel it," Skinner said, referring to the smattering of boos from supporters at halftime and full-time. "I'm at the head of the football club. I'm accountable. I work tirelessly hard to push this football club. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but there's no one more disappointed than me today for not taking three points."
Despite the mounting pressure, Skinner has stated he expects to remain in charge next season, with one year still remaining on his contract. However, a growing number of fans are calling for a change, frustrated by a campaign that promised so much but is now fizzling out.
There is some sympathy for Skinner's position, given that the funding he has received is significantly less than the three teams expected to finish above United this season. But the challenge isn't just from above—it's also from below. London City Lionesses are investing heavily in their squad, while Brighton, who have already beaten both Arsenal and Manchester City this season, have unveiled ambitious plans for a new 10,000-capacity stadium dedicated to their women's team.
As United prepare for their final league match at Chelsea on May 16, the question remains whether Skinner can turn this ship around or if a new direction is needed at Old Trafford.