Laura Hunter, a columnist for Sky Sports, breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the second round of Women's Super League fixtures, offering readers a deeper look at the narratives shaping the women's game. The analysis begins by recalling the high point Manchester United recently enjoyed under manager Marc Skinner. After clinching their inaugural major trophy in 2024, Skinner guided the team to the quarter‑finals of the Champions League in their maiden European adventure and secured spots in three domestic cup finals. Those achievements suggested a trajectory of steady improvement and gave the club a solid platform to build upon.
Yet the current reality could not be more different. Skinner has departed, and United now sit at the very bottom of the WSL table, sporting a goal‑difference that is even worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After several years of incremental progress, the team appears to be sliding backward.
United are enduring their longest winless stretch in league play since the squad was re‑established in 2018, having gone six games without a victory. The opening two defeats – a small sample but a telling one – have exposed serious weaknesses that will need urgent attention. New manager Eva Olid has already felt the heat after two heavy losses, and the early pressure on her tenure is palpable. It would be unfair, however, to lay the blame for United’s predicament solely at her feet.
Olid inherited a squad already beset by deeper 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," underscoring her resolve to rally the players despite the harsh start. Olid’s defiant stance is understandable, yet she is justified in questioning the level of support she receives from the club hierarchy.
Internal discussions about resources and backing are likely already underway, as the team’s lack of confidence on the pitch mirrors a broader hesitancy within the club regarding its women’s programme. Critics have long highlighted the insufficient investment in the women’s side, and the club’s recent strategic shift toward a youth‑development model – a cheaper alternative to signing established stars – was a key factor in Skinner’s departure, which was publicly described as a "mutual separation." Skinner, now 43, had openly asked for more tools and authority to compete at the highest level; it appears those requests were met with resistance.
The challenges confronting Olid have become starkly evident after just two matches. United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly promoted side in their first two games, a dubious distinction they share with Leicester City, who were relegated after a similar output last season. While any team under a new manager needs a period of adjustment, United’s situation is compounded by a historic inability to beat Chelsea – they have failed in all 14 attempts – and the recent 5‑0 loss adds a new, painful dimension to that narrative. The solid foundation built by Skinner now feels fragile, and the upcoming clash with Arsenal, broadcast live on Sky Sports, will test whether the team can find any foothold.
Improvement is essential; there is little room for further decline. Chelsea, on the other hand, used their victory as a statement of dominance. After facing criticism for a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, manager Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, with Bompastor noting, "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." The Blues did not extend any courtesy to United, delivering a performance that highlighted the gulf between elite and ordinary teams.
Lauren James continued to be Chelsea’s attacking fulcrum, while other players such as Keira Walsh, Sjoeke Nusken, and Wieke Kaptein imposed themselves in midfield, winning duels and creating space. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to exploit central areas, and even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed to the final third with incisive passes.
James herself recorded 19 shots across two games – the highest in the league – positioning her as a potent false‑nine option should Chelsea ever lack a traditional striker due to injury or loss of form. Bompastor will need to manage James wisely, as relying on a single player each week is not sustainable. Looking ahead, Chelsea’s schedule includes a showdown with Arsenal followed by a Champions League tie against Lyon later in the month, both of which promise stiffer competition than United’s recent opponent. Meanwhile, United must address their defensive frailties, improve their chance creation, and find a way to restore belief among the squad.
Arsenal’s recent performances have drawn attention, particularly the play of midfielder Freya Stanway, who returned to the WSL after a stint with Bayern Munich. In her debut for Arsenal, Stanway completed 98 passes, and over the first two matchweeks she amassed 194 passes – 91 of which were directed into the final third, a league‑leading figure only surpassed by Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk. Stanway’s vision and range have expanded since her England duties, providing Arsenal with a new creative outlet that reduces reliance on Mariona Caldentey. Her ability to generate chances was evident in the Gunners’ win over Crystal Palace, where she supplied four clear opportunities, even though Alessia Russo was uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal.
Stanway’s distribution promises to keep Arsenal’s attack varied and dangerous. In summary, Manchester United’s early-season woes reflect a deeper structural issue within the club’s women’s programme, from investment shortfalls to strategic choices about squad composition.
Eva Olid faces a daunting task: to reverse a historic decline, rebuild confidence, and deliver results before the season spirals further out of control. Chelsea’s emphatic win serves as a reminder of the standards at the top of the league, while Arsenal’s emerging talents hint at the evolving competitive landscape. The next few weeks will be critical for United as they seek to halt their slide and re‑ignite the promise that once seemed within reach.