Manchester United have been described as “hopeful” of appointing current Orlando Pride coach Marc Skinner as a replacement for former manager Casey Stoney, who resigned more than two months ago amid frustrations over facilities.
United’s long-term search for a new manager has been the source of great concern from both fans and players, which has led to the latter collectively contacting PFA for advice and guidance.
Marc Skinner left England in 2019 to coach Orlando Pride / Andy Mead / ISI Photos / Getty Images
The lack of a manager since the end of the season has seen that recruitment for the new campaign 2021/22 remains limited and Stoney is believed to have been heavily involved in the conquest of Norwegian midfielder Vilde Boe Risa, United’s only new arrival so far.
Despite recent optimism that United had decided on a new boss and were in the process of concluding a deal, the Telegraph reports that there is still “some time left” before an agreement is reached with Skinner as talks with Orlando Pride are ongoing.
But although it is not yet a clear deal, it is said that United players are already “happy” about the opportunity to work with Skinner.
In fact, if United can pull it off, the 38-year-old’s appointment would be seen as a coup to bring back one of the brightest English coaches in the women’s games to the WSL.
Skinner, who is married to former England defender Laura Bassett, was previously in charge of Birmingham, and led the blues to the FA Cup final 2017 and fifth place in the WSL 2017/18. He also had them fourth in the table when he went to Orlando in January 2019 and that was where they stayed the rest of the season and finished just two points behind Chelsea in the end.
Since the end of last season, United have lost influential defender Amy Turner, who currently plays for Skinner in Orlando, as well as USWNT pair Tobin Heath and Christen Press. Teenage prodigy Lauren James is also expected to go to Chelsea.
Man Utd have been without a manager since May when Casey Stoney resigned / James Gill – Danehouse / Getty Images
With the recruitment key for the Champions League qualification to be a realistic goal, Boe Risa remains United’s only new signing of the summer. However, the contract with Chelsea for the transfer of James is believed to include an as yet unnamed player who arrives for a substitution.
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