Man Utd boss Skinner 'hardened' to criticism

Marc Skinner is in his fourth season in charge at Manchester United

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner says he is "hardened" to personal criticism and emphasised again the support he feels he has at the club.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe described the men's team as the "main issue" and referred to the women's side as "an opportunity" in an interview with United We Stand last week, before sporting director Dan Ashworth was sacked.

That sparked outcry among supporters who questioned the club's support for the women's team and there was criticism for manager Skinner after he insisted there was "a love and affinity" shown by Ratcliffe's staff.

Former England striker Ian Wright told the 'Crossways' podcast it was "a poor decision" from Skinner not to confront the issues and said he was "dancing for the owner".

"I don't hear [the criticism]. I know, because I get reports on what people say," said Skinner when asked how he was coping with the criticism.

"I'm in a job where you naturally feel the pressures of a situation. Of course I do, I'm human.

"When people say things that are not necessarily true about you it can affect the way you think, but actually I'm used to it. I'm used to dealing with that pressure.

"I don't think there's many managers that come under as much as I do. In that sense, I'm hardened to it. But there's a balance between hardening to it and also doing your job effectively and being human still."

Skinner said he was focused on giving "energy and commitment" to his job and is working towards the club's long-term ambitions.

"I'm sure Ian [Wright] has his reasons to think that and his rationales as to why he needs to push that remit," added Skinner.

"But I sit comfortably in the understanding of what I need to do for this club and to push the team forwards."

'Support isn't always finance'

So what is Manchester United's long-term ambition?

It is written clearly on a gold step in their temporary training facilities - "to win the WSL by 2028".

The "steps to success" as they are referred to by the club - red steps showing their achievements so far and building up to their overall ambition in gold - are one of several features added to Carrington, which is undergoing redevelopment.

United faced a backlash this summer when the women's team were moved out of their facilities to make way for the men, but they now have most of what they need.

Rehab rooms, a swimming pool, sauna, medical facilities, a private canteen, dressing rooms, a gym, analysis equipment and a games room are among the facilities.

As well as pitches to cater for various weather conditions and grass cut to match the length of their home pitch at Leigh Sports Village, the training ground has a frame with the WSL champions on, showing gaps up until 2028.

It is these things that Skinner points to when he refers to the support he feels he has.

"Words are cheap but actions last longer. For me, I see the actions. It's hard for me to hear those comments, but actually that's not what I see from [Ineos] who are with us every day," added Skinner.

"Would I love the biggest budget in the league? Of course I would, I think everyone would. But everyone wants a sustainable game.

"We want to grow, we want women to have the same rights, to grow those rights, to have the finances available for all resources. Unfortunately we've got to work for that because we're starting from behind.

"Support isn't always finance. Support is actually knowing you've got a strategy, you're going to move to this."