Stepping into the tail end of December, United women's football coach Mark Skinner confronted Ratcliffe's preamble head on, reiterating once again that the support he receives from the club goes far beyond financial input.
Back before the departure of sporting director Ashworth, Sir Ratcliffe, in an interview last week, described the men's team as a "core issue" and the women's team as a "development opportunity". The move provoked a wave of anger from fans, who questioned the club's support for the women's team. Skinner's insistence that the Ratcliffe team showed "care and closeness" has also been criticized.
Former England international Ian Wright, speaking on the Crossways podcast, called Skinner's failure to face up to the problem "bad decision-making" and said he was "doing his boss a favor". When confronted, Skinner responded, "I haven't heard [the criticism], but I'm well aware of people's perceptions. In a professional career, pressure is inevitable. Of course, I'm flesh and blood. When confronted with untrue statements, they affect my thinking, but I have learned to adapt to the pressure."
"I don't think there are many coaches who are under as much pressure as I am. Even though I'm used to it, finding the balance between being used to it and working effectively and staying human is a challenge I have to face."
Skinner emphasized that he is fully committed to his work and to the long-term plans for the club. He added: "I understand Ian Wright's point of view and he has reasons for pushing for this, but I am clear that I need to contribute to the club and move the team forward."
"Talk is easy, action is hard. What I saw was actual action. It pains me to hear these comments, but the time I spend with my teammates every day has not shown me such a sight."
"Of course I aspire to have the biggest budget, but everyone wants it to be sustainable. We aspire to grow and want women's soccer to have the same rights, expand those rights, and get financial support from all resources."
"Unfortunately, we had to work for it because we started late. Support isn't just financial, it means you know where you're going strategically and moving towards that goal."
