Marc Skinner has been confirmed as the head coach of Manchester United Women on a two-year contract with the option for a further year.
The 38-year-old, who has managed in the Women’s Super League with Birmingham, left Orlando Pride last week to take the job. He worked as the US club’s manager for two and a half years.
Skinner replaces Casey Stoney, who walked away at the end of last season amid tensions with the club, including over training facilities. Stoney has since taken charge of San Diego.
Skinner said he was “excited and proud” to be appointed. “I want us to achieve success together and our aim is to give the fans a team they can continue to be proud of,” he told United’s website.
United have made five summer signings as they strive to improve on last season’s fourth-placed finish, including the Scotland striker Martha Thomas and the defender Aoife Mannion from Manchester City. The US internationals Christen Press and Tobin Heath are among the players to have left and Lauren James’s sale to Chelsea is another notable departure.
United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, said the club’s “commitment to the continued development and success of the women’s team is total” as he welcomed Skinner.
The club’s football Director, John Murtough, said: “First and foremost, Marc is an excellent coach, but he also has incredible drive, ambition and a vision for the team, which really impressed us.”
