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Skinner 'hardened' to Man Utd criticism amid Ratcliffe comments
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Manchester United manager Marc Skinner says he is "hardened" to personal criticism and emphasised again the support he believes he has at the club.
Skinner also took time to address the comments made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with the United co-owner suggesting the "main issue" for the club was the men's team.
Ratcliffe's statement in an interview with United We Stand last week sparked outcry among supporters, who questioned the club's support for the women's team.
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He has also previously come under fire for stating that he did not have a plan for the women's team following his takeover of the Red Devils back in February.
Skinner was also the target of criticism from supporters after he insisted there was "a love and affinity" shown by Ratcliffe's staff.
Ian Wright also weighed in on the debate, telling the Crossways podcast it was "a poor decision" from Skinner not to confront the issues and said he was "dancing for the owner".
"I don't hear [the criticism]. I know, because I get reports on what people say," said Skinner when asked how he was coping with the criticism.
"I'm in a job where you naturally feel the pressures of a situation. Of course, I do, I'm human.
"When people say things that are not necessarily true about you, it can affect the way you think, but actually I'm used to it. I'm used to dealing with that pressure.
"I don't think there are many managers that come under as much as I do. In that sense, I'm hardened to it.
"But there's a balance between hardening to it and also doing your job effectively and being human still."
Our standards won’t drop #MUWomen pic.twitter.com/d1o7NMDKKZ— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) December 13, 2024
United also parted ways with sporting director Dan Ashworth after just five months in charge following his move from Newcastle United.
Ashworth was an advocate for the women's team, and fans have feared that his exit could further detriment the women's team, who are aiming to win their first Women's Super League title by 2028.
Ratcliffe's comments have disappointed the women's team, but Skinner insisted that there are different ways to convey support for his squad.
"They [the players] have to know that this club really does support them and wants them to achieve great things," Skinner added.
"You've seen our targets. It's hard, there's a lot reported 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."
The Red Devils are in WSL action on Sunday against Crystal Palace, hoping to build on their impressive victory over rivals Liverpool last time out.
United sit fourth in the standings, but will have confidence of moving into the top three against the division's bottom club, who have won just one game this term.
They have a perfect 10 wins from 10 record against newly promoted opposition in the WSL, scoring 29 goals and conceding just a solitary goal.
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