Manchester United Women: Off-Pitch Issues and Club Equality Concerns

Discussions surrounding Manchester United Women frequently center on off-pitch developments rather than on-field performance, a pattern that continued last week. Dan Ashworth and manager Marc Skinner shared a positive working relationship. In an interview with the United We Stand fanzine, club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe characterized the men’s team as the “main issue” and referred to the women’s side as “girls” and “an opportunity.” These remarks were further complicated by the abrupt exit of United sporting director Dan Ashworth, who had been an advocate for both the women’s team and manager Marc Skinner. Manager Skinner’s role has faced heightened examination this season, as criticism regarding the team’s performances has prompted demands for his removal. Furthermore, supporters have expressed a sentiment that the team lacks appreciation from the club’s leadership. Ratcliffe’s assertion that there was “only so much you can do” potentially exacerbated this perception, despite Skinner stating his belief that the club possessed a “love and affinity with our women’s team.” What consequences, then, have these recent events brought about? Ashworth served as United’s sporting director for a mere five months, with his departure confirmed 90 minutes prior to Skinner’s team commencing their WSL victory against Liverpool. Skinner received notification only that morning, despite the decision having been finalized the day before, and Ashworth’s absence from Leigh Sports Village was conspicuously apparent. He played a crucial role in United’s effective summer recruitment, which saw six players signed, and also visited the women’s team during training at the beginning of the season. Beyond his close collaboration with Harvey Bussell, head of recruitment for the women’s team, and Matt Johnson, interim head of women’s football, Ashworth maintained a strong relationship with Skinner, presenting him with a commemorative shirt to acknowledge his 100th match in charge. “I didn’t know any of the news,” Skinner stated following the 4-0 defeat of Liverpool. “My job was to concentrate on how we are on the field. I’m not privy to those decisions.” “I need to see what’s gone on and then we’ll have a better idea of where we’re at.” United’s future strategies remain undisclosed, but Skinner indicated that Ashworth’s departure would “probably not affect” recruitment, considering Bussell and Johnson are still in their roles. Nevertheless, the women’s team losing an advocate within the boardroom is a worry for some supporters. Season ticket holder Natalie Burrell informed BBC Sport, “It feels like nobody at Manchester United cares – it’s all about money and they don’t really understand how the fans feel.” She continued, “I understand when the men’s team is up and running, the whole club will follow – but it shouldn’t be about the men or the women. The whole club should be equal.” Burrell added, “[Ashworth] was someone who turned up regularly and was supporting the women’s team. I do worry that now he has gone, has that ethos gone?” Many had anticipated that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival would result in a greater emphasis on the women’s team. However, he was not present at their Women’s FA Cup final triumph, and a controversy arose in the summer when the women’s team was relocated from their training facilities to accommodate the men’s team. While they now utilize a renovated training site and funds were allocated during the transfer window, Ratcliffe’s recent comments have “disappointed” some supporters. In his interview with United We Stand, Ratcliffe stated: “There’s only so much that you can do and our focus has been on the men’s team. If not, you get spread too thinly. “We need to sort out the main issue – the men’s team. The women’s team is an opportunity. Women’s football is growing really quickly in popularity and size.” His remarks coincided with a challenging period for Skinner, who, in addition to facing criticism for his team’s performances, has also regularly fielded inquiries concerning the overall condition of the club. Skinner commented, “What I know about the club is that it has a love and affinity with our women’s team. “I know that and I sense it every day I go into the training ground.” He added, “I want us to focus on what we can control, which is the football. Away from it, I know we can be a massive part – and we are a massive part – of this football club.” Deborah Henry, who chairs the Manchester United Women’s Supporters’ Club, informed BBC Sport that the club’s “comments are consistent” but expressed a desire for more encouraging messages moving forward. She stated, “It’s disappointing in that we want to hear more keenness to support the team in the way we, as fans, want it to be supported.” Henry continued, “There is an understanding the men’s team are the major money-makers and have to be prioritised. However, I think there is room for both to be looked at at the same time.” It is important to note that the situation at United is not entirely negative. The team has achieved six clean sheets in the WSL to date, and supporters were encouraged by their summer recruitment efforts. Burrell holds the view that the team “are partially there.” She elaborated, “The women’s team doesn’t need a lot putting in to make it right. “There are things around the team they could add which are fairly simple. It’s taking too long. I want them to get in a director of football for the women’s team who knows what to do. They have recruited well. They need to retain players now.” Nedum Onuoha, a former Manchester City defender, conveyed to BBC Radio 5 Live that “huge opportunities” exist for United, considering their substantial size and widespread popularity. He remarked, “Imagine how big and how good they could be if the investment was there to the same weight as other clubs. “This is one of the biggest clubs in world football and the fact the women’s team – as a concept – can’t be perceived in the same way is a huge shame.” Onuoha further stated, “The women I know are searching for equity, fairness, a chance to train somewhere that gives them the best chance to be successful.” Henry believes that “a lot to be proven this year” but maintains optimism that they can, in the long term, contend with the WSL’s customary top three teams: Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City. She concluded: “The fact remains the budget isn’t there and that is something that can only be amended in a department that perhaps isn’t ready to do it.”