'Disregarded and mismanaged' - Manchester United fans slam treatment of women's team in open letter

A group of Manchester United fans have criticised the club's hierarchy for "disregarding " and "mismanaging" their women's team and have called for greater investment in Marc Skinner's side.

The Reds finished second in the Women's Super League last term, having been pipped to the title by Chelsea, who also came out on top in the FA Cup final. Despite missing out on silverware, United's league finish means the club have qualified for next season's Champions League for the first time in their history, acheiving a club record points tally in the process.

However, fans from the Barmy Army MUWFC Supporters' group have penned an open letter to the club, urging those at the top to ensure United is not "left behind" by Europe's elite as a consequence of inadequate funding.

The statement, released on Monday, reads: "It is our belief that since #MUWomen were reformed in 2018, the degree of investment and allocation of resources from the club, as well as the implemented organizational framework, have been inadequate in fulfilling the originally stated objectives.

"We strongly believe that the women’s team has been undervalued, disregarded, mismanaged, and frequently relegated to secondary status and an afterthought by the club’s hierarchy, which is a matter of great concern.

"Our sole request to the club’s hierarchy is that they accord equal treatment to the women's team, mirroring the level of regard and consideration bestowed upon the men’s team."

United's women's team was disbanded in 2005, shortly after Malcolm Glazer's completed takeover, with the new regime deeming the women's team to not be part of the "core business" and unprofitable. However, Manchester United Women was reformed in 2018, earning promotion to the WSL the