‘I was shocked’ – Manchester United boss Skinner reacts to Phillips’ dismissal | OneFootball

Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner admits that he was shocked to learn of Brighton & Hove Albion boss Mel Phillips’ sacking.

Phillips was dismissed on Thursday evening with The Seagulls occupying 10th position in the Barclays Women’s Super League table. The highly-rated American coach was given just 10 months to turn around the fortunes of a struggling Brighton & Hove Albion side.

Manchester United face Brighton & Hove Albion in their next match at The Leigh Sports Village on Sunday. When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Manchester United boss Skinner admitted that he was shocked to learn of Phillips’ sacking and that he is unsure of what to expect from The Seagulls this weekend.

“I was shocked,” Skinner said. “I thought she did a fantastic job. I’m actually on my pro-licence with her, so I wish her the very best.

“It maybe changes the context of the game on Sunday because we don’t really know if they’ll continue their game plan or not. All I can do is wish Mel the very best, she has done a good job.”

It is thought that results played a part in the decision to dismiss Phillips. Manchester United boss Skinner has come in for criticism himself for some of his side’s results this season. He says that he has no complaints about win ratio being an ownership metric for success, although the demands can vary from club-to-club.

He said “What I’d say is that there are many metrics that an ownership group will look at and I think they are different for each team.

“From our perspective, my personal one is to look at the performance that is able to maximise results and we are really happy. Last year, our results were fantastic in terms of the win percentage, like crazy. You are always going to be judged against that, that’s part of the job.

“What I would say is that I think it depends on each individual model and I think the coaches know that when they go into it. If you stray against it, you will know exactly where you’re at.

“From my perspective, you can try and win games of football but you have to fall in-line with what the club want from you.”

Manchester United’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion is scheduled to kick-off at 12pm on Sunday afternoon. Tickets remain on-sale and can be purchased by clicking here.