Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the major talking points emerging from the second round of Women's Super League fixtures, drawing readers into the pivotal 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 saw them reach three domestic cup finals. Those achievements suggested a club on an upward trajectory, a platform from which to continue building.
The current reality, however, 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 worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After several years of incremental progress, the squad appears to be in unmistakable decline.
United are enduring their longest winless streak in the league since the women’s side was re‑established in 2018 – six matches without a victory. The opening two defeats, though a small sample size, have already exposed deep‑seated problems. Both losses have placed immediate pressure on new boss Eva Olid, who is only just beginning her tenure. It would be unfair to lay the blame for United’s predicament solely at Olid’s feet.
She inherited a squad plagued by issues that extend far beyond two disappointing results. 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 comment underscores a need for resilience, but it also hints at a broader lack of confidence within the team. Olid must adopt a defiant stance moving forward, yet she has a legitimate reason to question the level of backing she receives from the club hierarchy. Internally, conversations about resources and support are likely already taking place.
The on‑field uncertainty mirrors the wider hesitancy the club has shown toward its women’s programme. Criticism of United’s investment – or perceived lack thereof – has been abundant. The club’s strategic shift toward nurturing youth talent, a more cost‑effective model, over bringing in established stars this summer was cited as a factor in Skinner’s departure, which was publicly framed as a mutual separation. The 43‑year‑old manager had openly expressed a desire for greater tools and authority, pleas that were apparently 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 after just two matches. United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly promoted side across their opening two games, a dubious distinction they share with Leicester City, who were relegated last season. Adapting to a new manager always requires a period of adjustment, but United’s situation is far from pleasant.
The team has failed in all 14 attempts to beat Chelsea in the WSL, and the recent 5‑0 loss is simply a continuation of that bleak history. Losing by such a margin is also unusual; the solid foundation Skinner built now feels precariously fragile.
Next weekend United face Arsenal on Sky Sports, a match that will likely expose how many deficiencies still need addressing. With so many areas requiring improvement, 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 depth of their quality. 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," underscoring a philosophy of dominance rather than mere victory. Chelsea showed no mercy to United, exploiting the gap between elite and ordinary.
Lauren James once again proved to be a decisive factor for the Blues. While James shone, other players also made their mark: Keira Walsh dictated tempo, while Sjoeke Nüsken and Wieke Kaptein dominated midfield duels.
Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to find space in central areas, and even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed to the attacking third. James has recorded 19 shots in just two league games – the highest tally in the competition – and offers a potent option as a false nine when Chelsea lack a traditional striker due to injury or form.
Bompastor will need to manage James wisely, as over‑reliance could become a liability. Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures include a clash with Arsenal followed by a Champions League tie against Lyon, both of which will pose far greater challenges than United. Turning back to Arsenal, the return of Vivianne Stanway has been a highlight of the opening weeks. The midfielder, who left for Bayern Munich in 2022, has returned to the WSL as a more complete player.
Her passing range, honed through international experience with England, has already made an impact. Stanway completed 98 passes on her Arsenal debut, and across the first two matchweeks she amassed 194 passes – more than any other player except Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk – with 91 of those directed into the final third, a league‑leading figure. Such precision opens new avenues for Arsenal, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creative outlet.
Stanway’s four key passes provided the Gunners with several clear chances against Crystal Palace, though Alessia Russo was unusually wasteful in front of goal. Nevertheless, Stanway’s vision and distribution promise to keep Arsenal’s attack potent throughout the season. In summary, Manchester United’s early season woes highlight deeper structural issues within the club’s women’s programme, from investment shortfalls to strategic missteps in squad building.
Eva Olid faces a daunting task: to revive confidence, improve performance metrics, and navigate a league where the gap between the top and bottom remains stark. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s emphatic win serves as a reminder of the high standards set by the league’s elite, and Arsenal’s emerging midfield talent offers a glimpse of how individual brilliance can reshape a team’s fortunes.
The coming weeks will be crucial for all involved as they seek to turn early setbacks into long‑term progress.