Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the most pressing issues 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 UEFA Women's Champions League in their inaugural European adventure and secured places in three domestic cup finals. Those achievements suggested a club on an upward trajectory, a platform from which to launch future successes. 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 even worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After several years of measured progress, the side appears to be sliding backward. United are enduring their longest winless streak 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 deep‑seated problems that demand immediate attention.
The heavy losses have placed new boss Eva Olid under intense scrutiny barely weeks into her tenure. It would be unfair to lay the blame for United’s predicament solely at Olid’s feet. She inherited a squad already burdened with systemic issues that extend far beyond two poor results. After a 5‑0 drubbing by Chelsea – a side that fielded no recognized striker – Olid remarked, "I don’t like the heads down.
Heads up and we have to continue." Her call for confidence reflects a need to shift the team’s mindset as much as its tactics. From here on, Olid must adopt a defiant stance, yet she has every right to question the level of backing she receives from the club hierarchy. Internally, conversations about resources, recruitment strategy, and overall support for the women’s programme are likely already underway. The lack of belief displayed on the pitch mirrors the broader hesitancy the club has shown toward investing in its female side.
Critics have long pointed to the club’s insufficient financial commitment and a general lack of interest in the women’s game. United’s decision to prioritize youth development – a cheaper model – over signing established stars this summer was cited as a key factor in Skinner’s departure, which was publicly framed as a mutual agreement.
The 43‑year‑old manager had repeatedly voiced a desire for more 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. United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly promoted side across their first two league fixtures, a dubious statistic previously only seen with Leicester City last season, a team that ultimately suffered relegation.
Adapting to a new manager always requires a period of adjustment, but the transition can be painful. United have yet to beat Chelsea in the WSL – a streak that now stretches to 14 matches – and the latest 5‑0 loss simply adds another chapter to a dismal narrative. While they have never managed a win against the Blues, they also rarely lose by such a wide margin, underscoring how fragile the foundation built by Skinner has become. Looking ahead, United face Arsenal next Saturday on Sky Sports, a fixture that promises to test every facet of their game.
With so many areas needing improvement, it is difficult to pinpoint a single starting point; perhaps the only direction is upward. Olid cannot afford to let performances deteriorate further. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s emphatic victory served as a reminder of their collective strength, especially after they faced criticism for a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa earlier in the week.
Manager Sonia Bompastor responded by emphasizing that when you have the chance to dominate a weaker side, the respectful thing to do is to score as many goals as possible. Chelsea showed no mercy, turning United’s missteps into a showcase of elite football. Lauren James continued to be a lethal weapon for the Blues, while other players such as Keira Walsh, Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein impressed with high duel counts. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to exploit central spaces, and even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed by advancing the ball into the final third.
James has already recorded 19 shots in just two league games – the highest tally in the competition – highlighting her potential as a false nine when Chelsea lack a traditional striker due to injury or loss of form. Bompastor will need to manage James wisely, using her as a game‑changing option rather than a constant focal point. Chelsea’s upcoming schedule includes a clash with Arsenal followed by a Champions League tie against Lyon later in the month, both of which promise to be far tougher tests than United’s recent encounter.
Turning back to Arsenal, the return of midfielder Leila Stanway has been a bright spot in the opening weeks. Since coming back to the WSL after a spell with Bayern Munich, Stanway’s development has been evident. In her debut she completed 98 passes, and across the first two matchweeks only Liverpool’s Grace Fisk has logged more passes overall (194). Remarkably, 91 of Stanway’s passes landed in the final third, the highest figure in the league.
Her precision and vision are opening new avenues for Arsenal, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creative hub. Stanway’s four key passes have already helped the Gunners carve out chances, such as the breakthrough against Crystal Palace last weekend. Although Alessia Russo was wasteful with those opportunities, Stanway’s ability to supply quality service ensures Arsenal remain dangerous in attack.
Overall, the early stages of the season have highlighted a stark contrast between clubs that are thriving and those that are struggling. Manchester United’s rapid slide from a promising post‑Skinner outlook to the bottom of the table underscores the importance of strategic investment, coherent recruitment, and a supportive club culture. For Eva Olid, the task ahead is monumental: rebuild confidence, tighten defensive organization, and spark a more creative attacking approach, all while navigating limited resources. If United can harness the resilience that brought them success just months ago, there is still a chance to turn the tide.
Otherwise, the club risks cementing a reputation of underachievement that could linger for years. The coming weeks, especially the high‑profile showdown with Arsenal, will be pivotal in determining whether Manchester United can arrest their decline or continue spiralling down the WSL ladder. (Word count: 642)