Manchester United Women has announced Marc Skinner as their new Head Coach. 

Skinner joins from National Women's Soccer League side, Orlando Pride, after he left that role last week. The Englishman coached Orlando for over two years and joined the Florida team after his two seasons managing Women’s Super League side, Birmingham City

United found themselves searching for a new manager after Casey Stoneystepped down at the end of last season. 

Stoney was United Women's first professional manager and led the team to promotion in her first season in charge. Her side started last season with a push for the WSL title but fell down the table and failed to qualify for the Champions League place - finishing fourth.

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Skinner signs on a two-year contract with the option to extend a further year

Skinner said: "I am excited and proud to become Head Coach at Manchester United. I’m looking forward to working closely with the staff and this talented group of players.

The new boss has said that it is an 'exciting' opportunity for himself: "Our focus is to build on everything they have already achieved in the women’s game.

"It’s an exciting opportunity to lead the team into what will be another competitive WSL season; I want us to achieve success together and our aim is to give the fans a team they can continue to be proud of," Skinner said.

Manchester United's Executive Vice Chairman, Ed Woodward, has also commented on the arrival of Skinner: “Marc is a coach with proven pedigree in the WSL and we are delighted he is joining the club and returning to the league after his recent time in the US."

"Our commitment to the continued development and success of the Women’s team is total, and we see Marc’s appointment, along with the talented squad and players recruited this summer, as key to that process.”

Murtough: 'Skinner is an excellent coach'

United's Football Director, John Murtough, has played a pivotal role in capturing new signings for the team this summer and says he and the club are 'confident' Skinner is the right man for the job. 

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“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 during the recruitment process. We are confident that Marc is the best person to be leading the team as we look forward to another exciting season," Murtough said.

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