“That is utopia, but…“: United Women chief pushes back following widespread criticism

Manchester United’s head of women’s football, Matt Johnson, has staunchly dismissed any perceptions that the team is a secondary concern to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. United have started the season well Prior to last weekend, United were on a sensational unbeaten run across all competitions. United had gone seven games without tasting defeat but this streak ended after Saturday’s shock 1-0 loss at the hands of Aston Villa. Despite dominating possession, United could not break down Villa’s stubborn defence. Head coach Marc Skinner acknowledged that his players dropped one or two levels below their usual standards. The Reds remain in third place in the WSL, four points below table leaders Chelsea. Ahead of the Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, United are unbeaten in the European competition. It has certainly been a good start to 2025/26. Despite widespread criticism that Ratcliffe’s leadership does not adequately back the team, United continue to deliver outstanding performances. Skinner has repeatedly used public media channels to plead for signings. Last year, Ratcliffe publicly admitted that the women’s team is not of major importance to him. The INEOS billionaire did not attend United’s FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea at the end of last season. Factor in the fact that Skinner’s side were forced to relocate to temporary dressing rooms to make space for the men’s team while Carrington underwent a overhaul, and it’s easy to see why Ratcliffe has come under pressure. However, Johnson has insisted that the women’s team have an equal voice at the club and their continued progress is a priority to the owners. United chief sets record straight Johnson said [as quoted by BBC], “Manchester United is totally committed to the women’s team. This is very much one club. We get access to all the same facilities and all the same staffing resources.” “There is a real family feel to the club. Being within the bubble, you feel totally supported and embraced by the club.” “But this is a growing industry and we want to be sustainable. When we were late, it was because we wanted to make sure when we entered, we could do it well. Sometimes it is late to the party but best dressed.” Johnson added, “For us it is about the future. We must put a new lens on it. This is a really good chance to push forward with the women’s team and hopefully create a future that in 40 to 50 years’ time, means someone else is saying how they broke down barriers, just as Sir Matt [Busby] did in the 1950s and 60s and Sir Alex did after that.” He also opened up on expanding the fanbase and fielding games at Old Trafford. “First of all, the players love Leigh. It is perfect for women’s football and we can generate a really good atmosphere.” “On the conversation around whether we play more games at Old Trafford and what does the new stadium look like for the women’s side, there is a lot of work to be done within the club and on the marketing side to see if we can grow the fanbase so we are getting more than 12,000.” “That would give us the argument that we need to go to Old Trafford because we can start to fill it and can create the special atmospheres. That is the longer-term plan.” “I would like to think that the ultimate vision would be in 10 or 15 years’ time, Manchester United are playing in a 100,000-seater stadium and it is full for the women’s team.” “That is utopia but it is what you have to aim for.” United vs. PSG kicks off at 8pm GMT. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!