Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the headline‑grabbing moments from the second round of the Women's Super League, drawing readers into the narratives that shape the modern women's game. Manchester United experienced a watershed under former manager Marc Skinner. After clinching their first major trophy in 2024, Skinner guided the team to the quarter‑finals of the Champions League in their inaugural European campaign and secured places in three additional domestic cup finals. Those achievements suggested a club on an upward trajectory, a platform from which to launch future success.
The reality now looks starkly different. Skinner has departed, and United find themselves perched at the very bottom of the WSL table, sporting a goal‑difference that is even worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After years of methodical building, the squad appears to be in clear decline.
United are enduring their longest winless stretch in the league since the team was re‑established in 2018 – six matches without a victory. Although the sample size of two opening defeats is small, both games have exposed serious weaknesses that raise alarm bells for the newly appointed manager Eva Olid. Two heavy losses so early in her tenure have intensified the pressure on her position. It would be unfair to lay the blame solely at Olid’s feet.
She inherited a squad burdened with deeper structural problems. After a 5‑0 drubbing by Chelsea – a side that fielded no recognised striker – Olid remarked, "I don’t like the heads down.
Heads up and we have to continue." Her defiant tone reflects an awareness that the issues pre‑date her arrival and that the club’s culture around the women’s programme may be contributing to the on‑field lack of confidence. The criticism surrounding United’s investment – or lack thereof – has been ongoing. The club’s decision to focus on youth development, a cheaper model, rather than splurge on established talent this summer was cited as a key factor in Skinner’s departure, which was publicly described as a mutual separation.
The 43‑year‑old manager had been vocal about needing more resources, a request that appears to have been met with resistance from the hierarchy. Olid’s challenge has now been laid bare in a brutally clear way after just two games. United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly promoted side in their opening two fixtures, a dubious distinction they share with Leicester City, who were relegated last season.
While every team needs an adjustment period under a new coach, United’s situation feels more like a crisis than a simple transition. Historically, United have failed in all 14 attempts to beat Chelsea in the WSL, and the latest 5‑0 loss is simply a continuation of that trend. Losing by such a margin is rare for United, highlighting how fragile the foundation Skinner built now appears. The next match, a televised clash against Arsenal on Sky Sports next Saturday, will be a stark test of whether the team can find any foothold before the season progresses further.
Olid cannot afford for performances to deteriorate any further. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s victory was a pointed reminder of their dominance.
After a lackluster 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa that attracted heavy criticism, Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, demonstrating that when they have the chance to punish a weaker opponent, they will do so with maximum firepower. As Bompastor noted, "When you have the opportunity to really hurt a team, the best way to respect them is to score as many goals as you can." Chelsea showed no mercy, exploiting United’s frailties. Lauren James once again proved to be the focal point of the Blues’ attack, while midfield dynamo Keira Walsh orchestrated play, and the Dutch duo Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein dominated the duel count. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to find space in central areas, and even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed by feeding balls into the final third.
James herself recorded 19 shots across two games – a league‑leading tally – underscoring her potential as a false‑nine should Chelsea ever need to replace an injured striker. Bompastor will need to manage James wisely, using her as a strategic asset rather than an over‑used weapon, especially as Chelsea’s schedule tightens with upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and a Champions League tie with Lyon.
Both opponents will pose far greater challenges than United and will likely not offer the same level of cooperation. Turning back to the league, Arsenal’s new signing, midfielder Lotte Wubben Moy Stanway, has already caught the eye.
Returning to the WSL after a stint with Bayern Munich, Stanway has displayed a refined range of passing that was evident in her debut, where she completed 98 passes. In the first two matchweeks, only Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk has amassed more passes than Stanway’s total of 194, with 91 of those directed into the final third – the highest figure in the league.
Her precision creates fresh avenues for Arsenal, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creative hub. Stanway’s four key chances have already provided Arsenal with opportunities to break down Crystal Palace’s defence, although Alessia Russo was unusually wasteful in converting them. Nonetheless, Stanway’s vision and distribution promise to keep Arsenal’s attack potent throughout the season. In summary, Manchester United’s early-season slump is a symptom of deeper issues within the club’s women’s programme, from investment shortfalls to strategic missteps in squad building.
Eva Olid faces a daunting task of rebuilding confidence and performance while navigating limited resources. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s emphatic win serves as a warning of the gulf that still exists between the league’s elite and the rest. As the season unfolds, United must find a way to halt the slide, or risk a prolonged period of underachievement that could echo the struggles of past relegation‑battles.