Marc Skinner accepts accountability as Manchester United women's winless run extends to nine games

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner accepts he is accountable for the club's disappointing end to the season. It took an injury-time goal from Lea Schuller to prevent United being beaten by Brighton at Leigh Sports Village. Nevertheless, the 1-1 draw meant United have won just one game in nine, dating back to the Champions League play-off success against Atletico Madrid in February. They have taken six points from their last five Women's Super League games and stand in fourth place, one point behind third-placed Arsenal. The Gunners now need just three points from their last four games to close the door on a return to Europe for United, who finish their league campaign at Chelsea on 16 May. United were also beaten by Chelsea in the League Cup final and the FA Cup and, after losing to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals, a season that promised so much is petering out. Skinner said he heard the smattering of boos from fans at the end of both halves and added: "I hear it, I feel it. I'm at the head of the football club. I'm accountable, right? I'm there for people to give their opinion. I work tirelessly hard to push this football club. Everyone's entitled to their opinion. I will never deny that but there's no-one more disappointed than me today for not taking three points." In the build-up to the game, Skinner said he expected to be in charge next season. He still has a year left on his contract, although a number of supporters feel a change is required. There has been some sympathy for Skinner as the funding he has received is much less than the three teams destined to finish above United this season. However, the challenge is not just above but below. London City Lionesses are continuing to spend to strengthen their squad, while Brighton, who have reached the FA Cup semi-finals and beaten both Arsenal and Manchester City last month, have unveiled ambitious plans for a 10,000-capacity stadium for their women's team. "We see the investment around us, we see the strategy around us," added Skinner. "No longer can we just look at them teams above us, we have to be able to be aware of those teams below. I know everybody wants to jump on the negative but there's also amazing growth from this team too. We have to do some reflection, of course we do. The reality is we have to assess over the summer where the resource goes and which direction we push that in, to make sure we stay in that chasing pack and obviously make sure the teams behind us can't catch us."