Improvements Needed in WSL Broadcasting, Says Manchester United Manager

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner has called for enhancements to the broadcasting procedures of the Women’s Super League (WSL) after a planned mid-game interview was abruptly canceled when his team conceded the opening goal in their 3-0 loss to Manchester City.

City asserted their dominance in the first half at the Etihad Stadium, scoring three goals to secure their victory and maintain their position at the top of the table, four points ahead of Chelsea, who are set to face Liverpool on Sunday.

Skinner was preparing for a mid-game interview, a new initiative introduced by the league and broadcasters this season, which has received mixed reactions from managers. However, the situation escalated when United conceded a goal to Rebecca Knaak, leaving Skinner frustrated.

“I was on the headset, yet we weren’t utilizing it. I was listening to the commentary when the goal was scored and I couldn’t respond,” he expressed afterward, voicing his concerns about the process.

“We need to refine the procedures and the timing involved. I was set to engage in an in-game interview, but ended up not being able to because I was listening to commentary on the corner and the goal and couldn’t communicate with my team.”

While Skinner appreciates the intention behind bringing fans closer to the action, he conveyed dissatisfaction with how the current system interfered with his management during the match.

“They need to review the strategy and how it functions, which I understand and support. However, it simply didn’t work today. I want to engage with fans as much as possible, but we need to practically assess how it operates,” he added.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Arsenal manager Renee Slegers and London City Lionesses boss Jocelyn Precheur at the start of the season when they faced mid-game interviews during their opening fixtures.

According to the league’s guidelines, managers are only required to participate in an in-game interview once throughout the season.

This latest defeat marks United’s second consecutive loss in the WSL, following a surprising 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.

Despite City being seven points clear at the top, Skinner remains hopeful about closing the gap. “We’ll see at the end of the season. I still believe we can catch them. I don’t see them as exceptionally strong. They are proficient in front of goal and can exploit any weaknesses, but I believe we can close the gap,” he affirmed.