'It's hard to listen to': Man United Women boss responds to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's controversial comments
Marc Skinner has insisted that Manchester United Women still have the support of INEOS despite comments from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The Red Devils co-owner controversially pushed Skinner's team aside during an interview with United We Stand last week.
3
Ratcliffe told the fanzine: “There's a lot you can do and our focus has been on the men's team.
“If not, you spread yourself too thin. We need to solve the main problem, the men's team.
“The women's team is an opportunity. Women's football is growing very quickly in popularity and size. We have to participate in it.
“The girls wear the Manchester United crest on their shirts and represent the club.”
His comments came as part of the same interview in which called United 'mediocre' in a series of explosive statements.
Skinner has now responded to the British billionaire's comments, ahead of his team's trip to Crystal Palace.
When asked about Ratcliffe's remarks in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Skinner said: “Words are cheap, but actions last longer.
“I see the actions. It is difficult for me to hear those comments, but actually that is not what I see in the working group (Ineos) that is with us every day.
“Would I love to have the biggest budget in the league? Of course I would, I think everyone would. Everyone in this room wants a sustainable game.
“We want to grow, we want women to have the same rights, for those rights to grow, for them to have the finances available for all the resources. But unfortunately we have to work for that because we are starting from behind.”
3
The Red Devils coach continues to believe that the women's team has the support of Ineos and adds: “Support is not always financial.
“It's knowing that you have a strategy. I feel supported by the fact that everyone in this club wants our team to do well and that we are going to grow towards a sustainable model.”
“There's a lot of talk about us and I understand why. But when you feel it, when you're internal, it's not a lie. We're not lying. But there are different ways you can show support.”
Skinner has been in charge since 2021 and guided the club to the Women's FA Cup last season.
Her team is currently fourth in the Women's Super League after nine games this season.
United They are nine points behind the leader Chelsea ahead of their clash with Palace this weekend.
