Man Utd Women: 'Teething problems' - but Ineos bring 'fantastic opportunity'

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has said Manchester United must "walk to the right solution, not run to the wrong one" after his investment - and Marc Skinner is confident it will only be a "positive step" for the women's team he leads.

Since reforming in 2018, United's women have finished inside the top four in each of their four WSL seasons.

They are fourth now, but a 12-point gap to WSL leaders Chelsea has led to chants and banner's calling for Skinner's sacking.

Off the field, there have been reports of a lack of clarity for those running the team.

So as Ratcliffe and his Ineos group start to make their presence felt after buying a 27.7% stake in the club, he will know he has his hands full - not just focusing on the men's team, but how the women's team can push for a first WSL title.

Ratcliffe met Skinner and his staff, as well as first-team players, at their refurbished Carrington training ground on 3 January. It was in the midst of a January transfer window during which Skinner repeatedly called for investment in "quality of squad depth" - but no signings followed.

Transfer plans were put in place before Ineos' arrival, but several agents told BBC Sport of their frustrations in negotiations, raising issues around the lengthy process and what they perceived to be 'disorganised' structures within the club.

England striker Alessia Russo turned down several contract offers from United last summer before joining Arsenal for free - just months after they offered a world-record fee. It is understood Russo was disappointed by the lack of progress during talks.

A special report by The Athletic on Wednesday highlighted further issues, including a "lack of clarity regarding budget and strategy" and pointing to a high turnover of staff as disruptive.

Among those to leave was head of women's football Polly Bancroft, who oversaw the "strategic direction, operations, and performance" of the women's first team and academy. She worked closely with club directors Andy O'Boyle and John Murtough, and head of player recruitment Harvey Bussell.

A club spokesperson told The Athletic: "We are proud of the progress made by our women's team since its inception six years ago. Last season, we finished second in the WSL, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time, and reached our first FA Cup final.

"This season, we have opened new facilities for the team at Carrington, which are among the best in the country. We know there is still much we can improve, and we are determined to do that as part of the club's drive for success on the pitch from all our teams."

Skinner was asked on Thursday about the reports of disorganisation in the set-up.

"Do you know what I think it has been?" he said. "A team that's six years old and is growing into what it's wanting to be. Almost every new start-up company will have teething problems.

"You will have things that are fantastic, things that grow and help you. Obviously it seems we don't report the nice things. There's lots of brilliant things about what we're doing.

"It's really clear that if you make mistakes, you want to learn from them and grow. But it is to be expected because we're new. With Ineos coming in, it's a fantastic opportunity to help us do that."

Skinner's United were beaten 3-1 by Arsenal last month and sit fourth in the WSL table

Skinner was right to highlight the positives.

As the club said in their statement, they have invested in their training facilities and reached new heights on the pitch last season. They have also marketed well to build a strong fanbase, but their on-field performances have regressed.

"When you're not winning, you can feel frustrated," said Skinner, whose contract is due to expire this summer.

"But I'm utterly convinced if we have the right strategic investment around our squad, [and with] the way we're playing, then I believe we can deliver success to our fans. I have never doubted that."

Throughout his news conference on Thursday, Skinner was keen to stress his trust in the club - but repeatedly highlighted the need for investment in the squad.

"One thing I've addressed all season is the quality in depth, not the quality in player," said Skinner. "We took three early, long-term injuries this season to players that we couldn't maybe afford [to lose] with the depth we have.

"With Ineos coming in and the injection of energy, I think it will only be a positive step. We need to add to that. We need to learn from the things we've not done well. That's part and parcel of the growth."

Skinner dismissed suggestions he had been "hampered" by a lack of signings and said he remained upbeat.

"Jim Ratcliffe has been very clear that all teams at Manchester United want to be successful," he said.

"It's adding the right players in and retaining the right players. I'm on board with the direction we want to go in and I know it will be exciting for our fans and everyone involved at the club."

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