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 today. Manchester United experienced a watershed moment 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 venture and secured places in three additional domestic cup finals. Those achievements suggested a club on an upward trajectory, a platform from which to build further success.
The current reality, however, could not be more different. Skinner has departed, and United now sit at the very bottom of the WSL table, boasting a goal‑difference that is worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic.
After several years of measured progress, the side appears to be in clear decline. United are enduring their longest winless streak in the league since the team was re‑established in 2018, having failed to secure a victory in six consecutive matches.
While the sample size of two opening defeats is small, both games have exposed fundamental problems that demand immediate attention. New boss Eva Olid has already felt the heat of two heavy losses, and the pressure on her tenure is mounting from day one. It would be unfair to place the blame solely on Olid. She inherited a squad beset by deeper issues that pre‑date her appointment.
After a humiliating 5‑0 defeat to 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 comment underscores the need for a collective shift in mentality rather than a simple tactical fix. Olid must now adopt a defiant stance, yet she has every right to question the level of support she receives from the club hierarchy.
Internally, conversations about resources and backing are likely already underway. The lack of confidence displayed on the pitch seems to mirror the broader hesitancy the club has shown toward investing in its women’s programme.
Criticism of Manchester United’s investment – or lack thereof – has been abundant. The club’s decision to prioritise youth development, a cheaper alternative to buying established stars, contributed to Skinner’s exit, which was publicly described as a "mutual separation." The 43‑year‑old manager had openly voiced his desire for more tools and authority, pleas that appear to have been met with resistance from the board. If the challenges facing Olid were not crystal clear before, they have now been laid bare in a stark fashion. United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly promoted team across their first two games, a dubious achievement they share with Leicester City from the previous season – a side that ultimately suffered relegation.
Adapting to a new manager always involves a transition period, but United’s adaptation has been painfully slow. Their inability to beat Chelsea – a team they have failed to defeat in 14 attempts – means the latest loss is simply a continuation of an ongoing nightmare. While the margin of defeat (five goals) is unusual, it highlights how fragile the foundation built by Skinner now appears.
Next Saturday United face Arsenal on Sky Sports, a match that will test whether the team can find any foothold for improvement. With so many areas requiring work, it is difficult to pinpoint a single starting point; perhaps the only direction is upward. Olid cannot afford to let performances deteriorate further.
Chelsea, on the other hand, used their victory as a statement of intent. After being criticised for a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, demonstrating the squad’s capacity to dominate when they choose. Bompastor summed it up: "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, underscoring the gulf between elite and ordinary teams.
Lauren James continued to be Chelsea’s offensive catalyst, but this week she was matched by strong performances from opponents. Keira Walsh orchestrated play, while Sjoeke Nüsken and Wieke Kaptein imposed themselves, leading the duel count. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to exploit central spaces, and even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed to the final‑third build‑up. James amassed 19 shots in two games – the highest in the league – and remains a potent option as a false nine when Chelsea lack a traditional striker due to injury or form.
Bompastor will need to manage her usage wisely, as reliance on a single player is not sustainable. Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures include a clash with Arsenal followed by a Champions League tie against Lyon, both of which will present far stiffer challenges than United. Turning to Arsenal, the return of Jordan Stanway has been a revelation.
After a stint with Bayern Munich and a distinguished international career, Stanway’s passing range has further evolved. She completed 98 passes on her debut, and across the first two matchweeks she amassed 194 passes – 91 of them into the final third – a league‑leading figure only surpassed by Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk. This precision opens new avenues for Arsenal, reducing their reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creative hub.
Stanway’s four key passes this weekend helped Arsenal break the deadlock against Crystal Palace, though Alessia Russo failed to convert many of those chances. Overall, the early weeks of the season have highlighted a stark contrast between clubs that are thriving and those that are struggling to find their footing. Manchester United must confront internal doubts, resource constraints, and a loss of confidence if they hope to reverse their fortunes. Chelsea, meanwhile, are sending a clear message that they will not tolerate complacency.
As the league progresses, the narratives will continue to evolve, and each team’s response to these early tests will shape their trajectory for the rest of the season.