Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter 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. 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 adventure and secured spots in three additional domestic cup finals. Those achievements suggested a club on an upward trajectory, a platform from which to build further success.
The reality, however, has shifted dramatically. Skinner has departed, and United now sit at the very bottom of the WSL table, possessing a worse goal difference than newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After years of incremental progress, the side appears to be sliding backward. United are currently enduring their longest winless streak in the league since the women's team was re‑established in 2018, having failed to secure a victory in six consecutive matches.
Their opening two defeats – a small sample size but still indicative – have exposed several alarming weaknesses. The heavy losses have placed immediate and intense pressure on new boss Eva Olid, who is only just beginning her tenure.
It would be unfair to lay the blame for United's predicaments solely at Olid's feet. She inherited a squad already burdened with deeper structural problems. After a 5‑0 drubbing by Chelsea – a side that fielded a line‑up without a recognised striker – Olid remarked, "I don't like the heads down. Heads up and we have to continue." Her call for resilience is clear, yet she is justified in questioning the level of support she receives from the club hierarchy.
Internally, discussions about resources and backing are likely already underway. The lack of confidence displayed on the pitch mirrors a broader sense of hesitancy surrounding Manchester United's women’s programme. Critics have long highlighted the club’s insufficient investment and apparent disinterest.
This summer, United opted to focus on youth development – a cheaper, long‑term model – rather than splashing cash on established stars. That strategic shift was a key factor in Skinner’s departure, which was publicly described as a "mutual separation." Skinner, now 43, had openly expressed a desire for greater tools and resources; it is reasonable to assume his requests were met with resistance.
If the scale of the challenge confronting Olid was not evident before, it has now been laid bare in stark terms. United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly promoted side across their first two games, a dubious distinction they share with Leicester City’s ill‑fated campaign last season that ended in relegation. Every team undergoing a managerial change must endure a period of adjustment, but United’s situation is especially grim.
They have lost all 14 encounters with Chelsea in the WSL, and the latest 5‑0 defeat simply continues a long‑standing pattern of futility against the London club. While losing heavily to Chelsea is not unprecedented, the sheer margin underscores how fragile the foundation Skinner built has become.
Looking ahead, United face Arsenal next Saturday on Sky Sports. The task is daunting; the team must overhaul many aspects of their play, and it is unclear where to begin.
The only viable direction is upward, but Olid cannot afford to let performances deteriorate further. Chelsea, on the other hand, used their victory as a statement of intent. After receiving criticism for a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, manager Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, demonstrating why they are considered the benchmark in the league.
Bompastor summed up the philosophy: "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 showed no mercy, exploiting United’s frailties and reinforcing the gap between elite and ordinary teams. Lauren James once again proved to be Chelsea’s decisive weapon.
Though she faced stiff competition from midfield stalwarts such as Keira Walsh, Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein, James managed to dominate the final third, registering 19 shots across two games – the highest tally in the league at that point. Her versatility as a false‑9 offers Chelsea a valuable alternative when traditional strikers are unavailable due to injury or loss of form.
However, Bompastor must use James judiciously; relying on a single player every week is unsustainable. Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures include a clash with Arsenal followed by a Champions League tie against Lyon later in the month. Both opponents will present far greater challenges than United, testing the depth and adaptability of Bompastor’s squad. Turning to Arsenal, the return of Jordan Stanway has been a bright spot in the early weeks of the season.
After a stint with Bayern Munich that ended in 2022, Stanway has come back to the WSL as a markedly different player. Her technical ability, honed during her international career with England, is now complemented by an expanded passing range.
In her debut for Arsenal, she completed 98 passes, 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. Stanway’s precision has opened new creative avenues for the Gunners, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole orchestrator of attacks.
Her vision and distribution contributed to Arsenal’s breakthrough against Crystal Palace, even though Alessia Russo failed to capitalise on several of those chances. With Stanway pulling the strings, Arsenal are less likely to be left stranded in midfield.
Overall, the early stage of the 2024‑25 WSL season has highlighted a stark contrast between clubs that are thriving and those that are struggling to find their footing. Manchester United’s rapid descent underscores the importance of coherent investment, clear strategic direction, and robust support for the coaching staff.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s emphatic performance reaffirms their status as the league’s benchmark, and Arsenal’s emerging talents suggest a resurgence is on the horizon. As the season progresses, the narratives will evolve, but the fundamental truth remains: success in women’s football demands both on‑field excellence and off‑field commitment. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million! Enter for free.