Casey Stoney led Manchester United to fourth in the Women’s Super League this season
Manchester United women’s head coach Casey Stoney will step down at the end of the season.
United finished fourth that season, missing a spot in the Champions League by a point.
Stony’s last game in charge of the club will be the FA Cup’s fifth game against Leicester City on Sunday.
She told the club website that she felt now was the right time to “take some time”.
“It was an honor to lead the women’s team at this great club and it was an incredibly difficult decision,” said Stoney.
“After coming on board to start the team from scratch and then win the women’s championship in our first season, we’ve now successfully established the team as a force in the women’s super league.
“I loved leading this group and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
United Vice Chairman Ed Woodward said Stoney, who won 130 caps for the Lionesses as a player, “will always be part of the Manchester United family”.
Analysis – Stoney “showed great potential as a coach”
Emma Sanders, BBC sports reporter
In recent months there have been growing concerns about Manchester United women’s resources and facilities, with Stoney showing a hint of frustration with field conditions in training.
The team suffered numerous injuries throughout the season that ultimately impacted on qualifying for the Champions League. During the pandemic, they switched between Leigh Sports Village, Cliff and Carrington to train there.
Question marks over player contract renewals and the future of US duo Tobin Heath and Christen Press also cast doubts about the club’s commitment to invest.
Stoney herself has been linked with the vacant Arsenal job at the WSL, but there has been talk of taking on a job in America that she is expected to start this summer.
Her ancestry as a player speaks for itself – she captained England and Team GB and won 12 major club-level trophies – but she has also shown great potential as a coach during her three-year tenure at Manchester United.
And as she sets out to pursue her own career, it leaves a pretty solid foundation for someone to come into the club.
