Skinner: “This window could change the women’s game”

By Catherine Mackenzie (31/1/25)

Above: Manchester United Boss Skinner addresses the media. Photo: Manchester United Women

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner sees Chelsea’s Girma acquisition as game-changer

The January transfer window has now closed for all Women’s Super League clubs, and attention returns to the league games this weekend.

Manchester United head to London to play Tottenham Hotspur, who are currently sixth in the table. Speaking to media ahead of the clash, Skinner was asked for his thoughts on movements in the transfer market, particularly for Chelsea, who signed Naomi Girma for £900,000 – a world record for a female footballer.

In contrast, United have been quiet in the window, with the main movements being out of the exit door rather than incomings. Hayley Ladd was sold to Everton at the beginning of the month and there has been a loan move for Emma Watson to the Toffees as well. 

On the lack of incomings, Skinner stated that “if we found the right person and we could find the right deal, we would try,” but that “we are solely focused on what we can achieve”. 

On Girma, he asserted that “this window could change the women’s game” due to the level of transfers that have occurred in a January window – transfers that would normally be reserved for the summer. 

He spoke extensively about United’s approach to transfers, suggesting that the club’s focus has always been on developing youth and recruiting “smartly”, and that he feels he has the quality of players to finish the season in a strong position.

Speaking about this weekend’s clash against a Tottenham in poor form – they have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Everton, and the League Cup by West Ham – Skinner asserted that “there is never a good time to play them”, and that he is expecting a tough game.

It will also be a return to the London club for Celin Bizet and Grace Clinton, who moved to the Reds last summer. Asked about the duo, he suggested that both will play vital roles for United in the final months of the season. 

Clinton has been used as a substitute in recent games, however Skinner admitted that this is likely to change – he felt the team’s performances in her absence (due to injury) meant that changes felt unjustified in the moment, but that Clinton is definitely considered to be a vital part of United’s starting eleven.