Man Utd: Marc Skinner ‘convinced’ his team have bright future under Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner remains “absolutely convinced” his side have a bright future and says he feels “support” from the club’s hierarchy every day.

In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Sport earlier this week, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reiterated his stance that his main focus is on the men’s team.

He said that was what “moves the needle” at the club and the women’s team was “much smaller”.

Skinner said he felt backing from chief executive Omar Berrada, technical director Jason Wilcox and chief operating officer Collette Roche.

“I feel the support every single day. As an owner Sir Jim is not going to be on the day-to-day running of our football business. That’s for Omar, Jason and Collette – for the senior team management. That’s who I deal with every day.

“Yesterday I sat with Jason Wilcox and the data team who are designing data specifically for the women’s team, looking at recruitment.

” I don’t feel the noise around it.”

Skinner was speaking before Saturday’s Women’s Super League meeting with Liverpool.

Asked whether he felt the need to convince Ratcliffe about his team, he said: “I am absolutely convinced the women’s team has a really fantastic place pushing forward with the club.

“Our job is always to win games of football and that’s what we try to do. That’s what we’ve been successful at doing. I don’t think there is convincing needed. We just need to keep doing out job and that’s all we can do.”

On Tuesday, United unveiled plans for a new £2bn stadium, though it is unclear whether the ground will be a permanent home for the women’s side.

“For the short term, Leigh Sports Village is our home, and we love the fact it is our home,” said Skinner. “It’s where we’ve built up a good results base and fanbase.

“Beyond that, nobody knows yet really. But what has been made clear is that the future is for both the men’s and women’s teams to grace the new field, in whatever capacity.

“We will be given assurances as we go down the route of that.”