United Women: Marc Skinner, Eva Olid, and what comes next

Would you like some AI-derived content because it’s Friday night and I drove for nearly eight hours today? Well you’re in for a treat, American spellings and all (I’ll try to change it from Mark to Marc Skinner though)… This episode looks at the state of Manchester United Women at the start of a new season, with Andy Slater from Barmy Article joining to assess the Marc Skinner era, the appointment of Eva Olid, and what supporters want from the club next. It also gets into the wider appeal of women’s football for long-time United fans, plus the importance of the club’s history and matchday culture.

Guest: Andy Slater, editor and voice behind Barmy Article, Manchester United Women’s fanzine.

Key topics

• In this episode, Vance and Andy look at why the managerial change felt overdue and why so many fans had become frustrated with Marc Skinner.
• Andy says Skinner was never fully backed, but also argues he did not adapt well enough when the squad needed a plan B or plan C.
• The discussion covers Manchester United’s selling-club reputation, including the departure of key players such as Mallard, and the tension between development and short-term success.
• Andy explains why Eva Olid’s arrival feels exciting, especially after she led Hearts to their first title and appears ambitious enough to want a bigger stage.
• The episode explores whether Olid could be a stepping stone manager or the start of something more sustainable if the club finally invests properly.
• Andy says many supporters had already reached the point where Skinner needed to go, especially after repeated finishes outside the standards United expect.
• The conversation turns to the opening fixture against London City Lionesses and how their heavy investment contrasts with United’s more cautious approach.
• Andy argues United need something in between the extremes: not unsustainable spending, but enough senior quality to support young players and compete consistently.
• There is a strong focus on why women’s football matters to legacy United fans, with Andy explaining that identity and emotional connection are the key attractions, not comparisons of pace or physicality.
• The episode also covers matchday experience at Leigh Sports Village, the potential for bigger crowds at Old Trafford, and how better ticket access could help grow support.
• Andy finishes by highlighting Barmy Article issue 27 and a mini history project built from interviews with former players from the pre-2005 era.

Timestamps

00:00 - Why this felt like the right time to focus on United Women

01:06 - Why Marc Skinner divided supporters

02:26 - The Mallard departure and United’s selling-club problem

03:15 - Why the squad has lacked a plan B

03:46 - Eva Olid arrives with momentum from Hearts

05:23 - The problem with celebrating youth without real development

06:35 - Why Olid’s ambition matters

08:23 - Why many fans felt Skinner had overstayed

09:46 - London City Lionesses and the scale of their spending

11:13 - Why United need senior players alongside youth

11:51 - Why men’s football fans should give women’s football a chance

12:13 - The moment Andy became a United Women supporter

14:33 - Why Leigh Sports Village feels like home

15:34 - How clubs could make women’s football more accessible

16:36 - Arsenal, history, and why United are not the pioneers here

18:48 - Barmy Article issue 27 and the mini history book project