Manchester United's women's team have faced renewed scrutiny following the departure of manager Marc Skinner, reigniting long-standing criticism of the club's investment in the side since it turned professional in 2018. Sources close to the club say they feel unfairly treated by the media, with tensions boiling over last season when The Athletic was banned from post-match huddle questions. The debate centres on whether United, as one of the world's biggest football clubs, are held to a different standard than their WSL rivals, and whether that scrutiny is justified given the team's results and off-field decisions.

Under Skinner, United twice finished in the WSL's top three, reached three consecutive FA Cup finals, won a first major trophy and reached the Champions League quarter-finals in their debut European campaign, yet still drew criticism from fans over performances against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. Concerns over facilities date back to 2021, when Casey Stoney resigned citing a lack of resources, and resurfaced in 2024 when the women's team were moved out of Carrington to make way for the men's side, alongside co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments describing the women as "an opportunity". The club has also lost key staff and players, including England internationals Alessia Russo and Mary Earps on free transfers, and top scorer Melvine Malard, who joined Chelsea this summer for £850,000, with no replacement yet signed.