Manchester United Women’s manager Marc Skinner is set to stay on at the club after signing a new contract extension following their historic FA Cup win.
The decision to keep him on has split opinion amongst the supporters as many have been calling for Skinner to be sacked for several months now following a difficult domestic season.
Man United Women lifted the Women’s FA Cup for the first time in their history this past Sunday, with an impressive 4-0 win over Spurs to prove the kind of football they can play at their best but, for some, it simply isn’t enough to make up for the performances in the Women’s Super League.
Nevertheless, the club confirmed that they have given the 41-year-old a new one-year deal, with the option to extend for a further 12 months.
As you can see, it hasn’t gone down well with everyone, as even despite the landmark piece of silverware it appears the ‘Skinner Out’ section of the fan base is still dead set on starting a new chapter.
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WHAT?! That FA cup has clouded judgement here, he’s been subpar in the league😐 we can do better sorry
Many of those calling for a change in leadership aren’t even so set on moving forward per se either, as a good chunk of the suggestions are to simply bring back the previous Man United Women‘s coach and former player, Casey Stoney, who stepped down in May 2021 after more than three years in charge.
Having won the FA Women’s Championship title and promotion to the WSL in the club’s inaugural season after reforming following a 13-year absence, she still has a lot of fans around the club.
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Meanwhile, Skinner’s side failed to make it through the Champions League group-stage qualifiers against PSG in October last year and can finish no higher than fourth if they win their final game of the season this weekend – and that’s only on goal difference and if Liverpool fail to pick up points in their closer.
Speaking on the contraction extension, Marc Skinner said: “It’s an honour to extend my stay at Manchester United. I’ve always felt at home here, with our excellent players, staff, and fans.
“Being able to secure the team’s first major trophy at Wembley was a real career highlight for me and another sign of our continued growth, on and off the field. Thanks to everyone who has supported me on this journey, and I look forward to creating many more winning memories together.”
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Casey has signed a new long term deal with SD, she isn't going home anywhere.
His detractors have remarked, “This guy should have gotten the sack he is not the manager to take this team forward that FA Cup win has helped him scale through”, with another writing: “Ohhhhhhh no we never winning WSL then. This club is clueless”.
However, there are still plenty rallying to his defence, with several commenters congratulating him on the renewal, while others have been trying to find the middle ground.
As one user put it: “I don’t believe you can sack a manager after having won your club’s first cup final 4-0. But it’s very telling that it’s only a one-year extension. Let’s see what the future brings.”
The Red Devils take on title hopefuls Chelsea in the last game of the season and will be hoping to round off the year on the highest note possible following the jubilant scenes at Wembley.
What about you, Reds – do you think it’s the right decision?
Ruben Amorim insists he ‘cannot’ quit as Manchester United manager
Danny Jones
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has reiterated that he won’t quit his job at the club and that his departure will only come through being sacked.
The struggling head coach has notched the lowest tally of any permanent manager in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, and despite a much-needed win against Sunderland this past weekend – not to mention a much more positive performance overall – there are still growing calls of ‘Amorim Out’.
Amorim has registered just 34 points from the 33 Premier League games he’s been in charge of so far,
Nevertheless, as per quotes from The Guardian over the weekend, the Portuguese head coach assured that he will not be stepping away from the role and would have to be sacked for him to leave Man United.
Speaking to the outlet after the 2-0 home win this past Saturday, Amorim said: “No, that is a decision of the board – I cannot do that. Sometimes I have that feeling, and losing is hard, not to create the momentum.
“It’s so frustrating when you create the momentum, go to the next game, [and] something happens. That feeling sometimes hurts me a lot. Also, the players and especially the staff here. But that is not my decision, and I think it would be really hard to leave if I don’t do everything to follow my career here.”
The 40-year-old still has the support of many supporters, but it’s fair to say that many neutrals and even die-hards who would like to believe they have put their faith in this rebuild and the INEOS project up to now are growingly increasingly impatient and doubtful, with plenty of vocal detractors already.
Amorim continued, “It’s a dream to be here and I want to continue here, and I want to fight for this; but the problem is now what makes me suffer is to lose games, not to lose my job.”
He also added the caveat that, unlike those who were unfortunately laid off during the two rounds of redundancies over the past 12 months alone, “you fear [losing] your job when you have to pay the bills, and I don’t have that feeling.”
It’s also worth noting that this is by no means the first time he’s fielded questions of the matter of resignation, having previously worried fans with divisive comments about sometimes ‘hating’ his players and flitting between wanting to either quit or echo Fergie and stay at Old Trafford for decades.
"Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years."
Rúben Amorim defended his emotional response after Manchester United’s defeat to Grimsby Town but admitted he wants to improve how he reacts 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/nXuN0Ztoee
Despite the United administration assuring that he has their backing, every game feels like it could be make or break for Amorim at the moment.
Although he does have the respite of the October international break coming up, the first game back is against the reigning champions Liverpool away at Anfield – a team he is yet to beat.
In fact, you could also argue that this may only serve as disruption to any kind of momentum they may have generated with the victory over the Black Cats; only time will tell.
You can see his most recent post-match press conference in full down below.
Ok, Man United fans: Amorim won’t quit, but do you think he should be sacked, or does he deserve more time?
Luke Littler announces split from management ahead of 2025 World Grand Prix
Danny Jones
Darts sensation Luke Littler has announced a split from his now former management company, ZXF Sports, with the decision coming on the eve of this year’s World Grand Prix.
Warrington-born Littler has become a superstar in his own right over the past few years, following his incredible breakthrough onto the professional scene, and it appears as though the local lad is now looking to keep moving onward and, hopefully, upward.
Confirming the parting of ways with ZXF online, Littler told his followers on social media that he will now be seeking out “new representation”.
The 2025 World Grand Prix of darts got underway on Monday evening, with Luke Littler’s first match coming against Gian van Veen on Tuesday, 7 October.
Luke Littler has announced he’s parted ways with his management team, wonder if Modus will get him now? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Le7vyowOAt
Sharing a statement this week, the 18-year-old wrote: “I want to say a massive thank you to ZXF Sports, and especially [manager] @Martin_foulds84, for everything they’ve done for me so far in my career.
“We’ve had some amazing times together over the last 5 years, and I’ll always be grateful for the advice and support that’s helped me get to this point.
“As my career moves forward and the schedule gets busier, we’ve agreed it’s the right time for me to take the next step with new representation. Martin has been brilliant for me, and I wish him and everyone at ZXF the very best. Excited for what’s ahead.”
ZXF Sports, which is run by Foulds, heads up the PR for multiple other big darts pros, such as Chris Dobey, Andy Boulton, and Stockport’s very own Nathan Apsinall.
Littler has often referred to ‘The Asp’ as his de facto older brother on the senior circuit, having been under the same representation since 2020, when ‘The Nuke’ was still moving over from the junior scene.
Safe to say their close relationship is one that fans will be hoping remains close.
At this time, it’s still unclear if the North West sports personality has a new team lined up, but you can bank on plenty of suitors having already courted him.
Many now expect his partnership with PR company, Soapbox, to potentially ramp up – or, indeed, for leading elite darts management Modus to make him a marquee signing for the brand.
Their clients include Raymond van Barneveld and regular title rival, Michael van Gerwen.
Once again, the youngster takes on the world no.15 Dutchman tonight (Tues, 7 Oct) at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester, England, with the second slate of fixtures in round one starting from 6pm.
Danny Jones -
17th May 2024 
