Manchester United Women’s manager Marc Skinner has defended fans who called for him to be sacked at a friendly match in Malta.
During a United match against PSV Eindhoven, a small section of fans were heard singing “We want Skinner out” and it was claimed that they were told by a security guard to stop.
United lost the game 2-1, but it was only a friendly so there was no need for such a reaction. It was the same during the pre-season tour in America when fans booed Harry Maguire. It’s not something you would hear at Old Trafford except from rival fans.
In his recent pre-match press conference, ahead of United’s clash against Newcastle on Sunday, Skinner addressed the issue. He said (via The Mirror): “I will never, and this club will never, stop anybody singing what they want to do.
“Everyone’s voices are super important. You’re always going to have different thoughts, different scopes. What I know and what I love about our fans is, regardless of their individual thoughts and opinions, they support Manchester United.”
Skinner must be very naive to think that stewards don’t try to tell fans how to behave on matchdays at Old Trafford, but it happens regularly. Football clubs now try to control everything including atmosphere.
The manager added: “I’m here to win, I’m here to supply good football but also winning football for our fans, and if they have their own opinions along the way, everyone is always welcome.
“I think it’s a good sign. It’s not always nice news, you’re not always going to get nice news. But actually, to have that opinion in the game is absolutely healthy and it’s something I’d always encourage.”
United are currently fourth in the WSL table, level on points with Liverpool and seven adrift of leaders Chelsea.
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