Polly Bancroft has joined Manchester United in the newly created role of head of women’s football, marking another important step in the club’s efforts to become a leading force in the women’s game.
Polly brings more than 10 years of experience in senior football roles and has joined Manchester United from Brighton & Hove Albion, where she had held the position of women’s team general manager since October 2020.
She will be responsible for overseeing all women’s football activities at Manchester United, while also driving forward the club’s long-term strategy to be at the forefront of growth in the women’s game, from first-team level to Academy age groups.
Polly will work closely with Marc Skinner, women’s team head coach, to ensure staff and players have the support they need to compete in the Women’s Super League, and with John Murtough, football director, on the long-term strategy.
During spells with UEFA, the Football Association, and Brighton, Polly has worked across technical, performance and business areas of the women’s game.
Manchester United Women have established ourselves among the leading teams in the WSL since gaining promotion to the elite division in 2019 and currently sit top of the league after the opening three games of the current campaign.
John Murtough said: “We are delighted to have someone of Polly’s experience and expertise join the club at this exciting moment for the women’s team.
“Under the leadership of Marc Skinner, the team has established itself as one of the challengers in the Women’s Super League and Polly is already proving that she can add that extra ingredient that will take us to the next level, both on and off the pitch.”
Polly Bancroft said: “I am delighted to be joining Manchester United at such an important moment for the women’s team in this exciting era of women’s football.
“This is the biggest club in the country, and I am excited to contribute to the success of the club along with John Murtough and Marc Skinner to create something special in the years to come.”