It marks quite the departure from last term, when United recorded the third-highest points tally in WSL history, taking the title race to the final day before ultimately being pipped to the trophy by Chelsea. Emma Hayes' side also won out in last season's FA Cup final but, after dispatching the holders in the semi-finals at the weekend, there is hope of salvation for United when they face off against Spurs under the Wembley arches next month.
It was a superb display from Skinner's side on Sunday afternoon, with the hosts taking the lead inside 41 seconds at Leigh Sports Village, before veteran striker Rachel Williams added to Lucia Garcia's opener after 23 minutes. Lauren James' strike on the stroke of half-time threatened to spoil United's party but a gutsy defensive showing - plus some superb saves from Mary Earps - saw the Reds hold on to defeat Chelsea for the first time in their history.
"I will be very clear, we've won nothing yet - it will be an incredibly tough final," Skinner said after the game. The United boss, though, will have been the most relieved man in the stadium when the referee blew her full-time whistle, fully aware that the victory could go a long way to enhancing fan sentiment at a time where his future at the club is in jeopardy.
Last week, The Athletic reported that talks are ongoing over a new deal for the 41-year-old that would see him stay in his post beyond this summer. It would be a controversial move, considering United's irrefutable regression this term, but perhaps one that would be vindicated should Skinner get United over the line next month.
Of course, it is not just the manager's future that needs to be addressed in order to turn the Reds into a global superpower. Investment in the playing squad and the stabilistion of the behind-the-scenes structure are among some of the other matters that will need to be addressed if United are to be consistently competing for the continent's top honours.
"To win a trophy with this club I’ve been at for five seasons would be everything," goalkeeper Earps told BBC Sport after the win over Chelsea. "We’ve got to stay focused on that because it's not going to be an easy game. Hopefully it (will be) ours but we’ve got to earn it. It’s not going to be easy, no way."
Perhaps Ratcliffe and co. can take their own learnings from Earps' post-match comments. United do not have a divine right to be an elite women's team simply because of the crest on their shirt. Whatever future success they have will have to be earned.
And, while making an appearance at Wembley would by no means guarantee that success, it would be a pretty good place for Ratcliffe to start.
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