Man Utd women: Marc Skinner defends fans after 'Skinner out' chants

Marc Skinner replaced Casey Stoney in 2021

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner has defended supporters of the women's team who chanted for him to be sacked at a friendly match.

Skinner was reportedly targeted with "We want Skinner out" chants during a match against PSV Eindhoven in Malta.

It has been claimed fans were asked to stop the chants by a United security guard at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

"I will never, and this club will never, stop anybody singing what they want to do," said Skinner.

"Everyone's voices are super important. I think you've known me long enough to know I'd never do that. My focus is on this team. It's about getting the best out of the team.

"You will always have and probably the more we increase the numbers and the support, you're always going to have different thoughts, different scopes. What I know and what I love about our fans is, regardless of their individual thoughts and opinions, they support Manchester United.

"I'm here to win, I'm here to supply good football but also winning football for our fans, and if they have their own opinions along the way, everyone is always welcome.

"I think it's a good sign. It's not always nice news, you're not always going to get nice news. But actually, to have that opinion in the game is absolutely healthy and it's something I'd always encourage.

"I am absolutely 100% confident in my ability, in the team's ability."

United came from a goal down to beat PSV 2-1 in the friendly on January 5 thanks to goals from Jayde Riviere and Nikita Parris.

However, a number of supporters remain unhappy with a perceived lack of progress under Skinner.

The Red Devils are fourth in the Women's Super League, and seven points off leaders Chelsea.

Skinner guided United to a second-place finish last season, having finished fourth in the previous campaign.

Speaking before his side's Women's FA Cup fourth-round game against Newcastle on Sunday, Skinner was asked about the recent visit of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford to United's training ground.

Representatives from Ineos have been spending time at the club after agreeing a £1bn purchase of a 25% stake in the Red Devils, which will see them take sporting control of the job.

"There's a lot to progress with going down the line and a lot of plans to make," said Skinner.

"There's a lot more meetings to go ahead, but there was real positive vibes and energy. It is something that will be a real galvanising factor pushing us forward."