Marc Skinner wore a grin that seemed to defy the booing murmurs originating from a section of the Leigh Sports Village crowd. These fleeting jeers, barely audible to the broadcast cameras but evident to those nearby, cast a shadow over Manchester United's 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Women’s Super League.

In this pivotal match, it was clear that United struggled to find their rhythm, requiring a late equalizer from substitute Melvine Malard to secure a point. It marked Skinner's 100th match at the helm, a milestone that should have been celebratory, yet the atmosphere was tinged with uncertainty. Just ten months prior, fellow manager Jonas Eidevall celebrated his own century as Arsenal’s head coach amid chaos, with calls for Skinner's resignation ringing in his ears after a succession of disappointing results.

The context has certainly shifted for Skinner, who secured a new one-year contract following a high-profile FA Cup victory last season. Nonetheless, the sporadic booing serves as a reminder that his position remains precarious, especially with competitors like Eidevall no longer in their roles.

On the pitch, the match at Leigh was a tale of two distinct performances. Arsenal, wielding an aggressive approach, dictated the play, racking up an impressive 49 touches in United's box compared to a meager 10 from the hosts. Former United star Alessia Russo was quick to make her mark, netting a stunning goal shortly after the hour mark, a stark reminder of the caliber of talent lost to the rivals.

The defensive duo of Maya Le Tissier and Millie Turner, alongside goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, stood firm against Arsenal's onslaught, managing to limit goals against despite their teammates struggling to break free from their half for large stretches of the game. Skinner acknowledged this grit, attributing the gained point to a "happy defensive display," which contradicts the up-and-down nature of United's offensive efforts.

However, there are growing concerns regarding the team's overall performance. Ella Toone’s diminishing impact, coupled with a litany of unforced errors, signals trouble for United as they progress through the season. The recent additions to the squad, including Elisabeth Terland and Celin Bizet, are still finding their footing, and while the arrival of experienced players like Malard and Rachel Williams revitalized the side, more robust performances will be essential.

With a looming clash against title-holders Chelsea coming up in three weeks, Skinner's team will need to refine their tactics significantly. Currently seated five points behind league leaders Manchester City, the upcoming matches against Aston Villa and Leicester City are critical for maintaining their unbeaten streak and easing the discontent from the fans.

The season is far from over, and how quickly United grasps the lessons from their recent performances may determine not only Skinner's fate but also how far the club can advance in what remains a competitive landscape. The pressure is palpable, and the whispers of discontent are a clear signal that united must rise to the occasion or risk facing severe scrutiny from their passionate supporters.