Looking at Manchester United’s season across all competitions, there are reasons for encouragement. A run to the Champions League quarter-finalson their debut in the competition proper, was impressive, as was the fact the Red Devils made another major cup final. The summer signings of Jess Park and Julia Zigiotti Olme have been particular success stories, too.
However, in the WSL, it’s been a massively disappointing year for United. Marc Skinner’s side started the campaign well, going unbeaten through the first seven games, before a lack of depth showed in November, when the squad was struggling to cope with the double gameweeks playing in the Champions League presents.
That limited summer investment has to be factored into United’s performances this seasonno doubt, but the club did somewhat make up for it in January and the signings made, though appearing good on paper, haven’t made the desired impact. Ellen Wangerheim’s regular use out wide, when she is a natural centre-forward, has raised questions of Skinner, while the inability to get more out of Lea Schuller, a serial goal-scorer throughout her career, is a concern.
It was expected that United’s trip to Chelsea on the final day would have a lot riding on it, in a potential one-game shootout for the final Champions League spot. However, the Red Devils were only able to win one of their five WSL matches going into that season-closer, ruling them out of contention for European football prematurely.
Without a league victory over any of the division’s top five, combined with disappointing results against West Ham and Brighton during that poor run-in, has led to a rise in discontent among the fanbase and placed further pressure on Skinner as the club assesses a mixed year.
United have backed the manager throughout and he is under contract until 2027, with the option for another year. But despite the highs that have come this season, it’s hard not to ask questions of the manager given how disappointing the WSL campaign has been.
