Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the main talking points from the second round of Women's Super League fixtures, giving readers a deeper look at the stories shaping the women's game. Manchester United experienced a turning point under Marc Skinner. After clinching their first major trophy in 2024, the former manager guided the team to the quarter‑finals of the Champions League in their inaugural European campaign and saw them reach three additional domestic cup finals.
All indicators suggested the club was on an upward trajectory and ready to build on that momentum. The current reality could not be more different. Skinner has departed, and United now sit at the very bottom of the Women's Super League table, sporting an inferior goal difference even to newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After years of incremental progress, the side appears to be in clear regression.
United are enduring their longest winless streak in the league since the team was re‑established in 2018 – six matches without a victory. The two opening defeats, while a small sample size, have already exposed serious issues. Both losses have placed immediate and heavy pressure on new head coach Eva Olid, who is only just beginning her tenure. That does not mean the predicament is solely Olid's fault.
She inherited a squad plagued by problems that run deeper than two sub‑par performances. After a 5‑0 drubbing by Chelsea – a team that fielded no recognised striker – Olid commented, "I don't like the heads down. Heads up and we have to continue." Her resolve must stay defiant, yet she has every right to question the level of support she receives. Internally, such conversations may already be underway.
The lack of confidence United display on the pitch seems to reflect the broader hesitancy the club has shown toward its women’s programme. Criticism about the club’s investment – or rather, the lack thereof – has been abundant. United’s decision to focus on youth development, a cheaper alternative to buying established stars, was cited as a key factor in Skinner’s departure, which was publicly described as a mutual separation.
The 43‑year‑old manager had made it clear he wanted more resources and authority; those requests were apparently met with resistance. If the scale of the challenge facing Olid was not obvious before, it has now been laid out brutally after just two games. United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly‑promoted side in their opening two fixtures, a record previously held by Leicester City last season, a team that was eventually relegated. Every club undergoing a managerial change needs a period of adjustment, and that transition is rarely smooth.
United have now failed in all 14 attempts to beat Chelsea in the WSL, so the recent 5‑0 loss is simply another chapter in a long‑standing pattern of futility against the London club. It is also rare for United to lose by such a wide margin; the solid foundation Skinner built now feels precariously unstable. The next test comes against Arsenal, broadcast live on Sky Sports next Saturday. With so many areas requiring improvement, it is difficult to pinpoint a starting point.
Perhaps the only direction is upward. Olid cannot allow performances to deteriorate further. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s victory was a stark reminder of their collective strength, especially after they faced criticism for not capitalising on a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa the previous weekend.
Manager Sonia Bompastor responded emphatically, stating that when a team has the chance to inflict serious damage, the best way to respect the opponent is to score as many goals as possible. Chelsea showed no mercy to United, delivering a performance that underlined the gulf between elite and ordinary teams.
Lauren James once again proved to be Chelsea’s attacking catalyst. This week, however, she was matched by the brilliance of others.
Keira Walsh dictated the tempo, while Sjoeke Nüsken and Wieke Kaptein dominated the duel count, and full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width that allowed James to exploit central spaces. Even centre‑back Lucy Bronze ventured forward, delivering balls into the final third, and James capitalised on those opportunities. James has recorded 19 shots across two games – the highest tally in the league – and offers a potent option as a false nine when Chelsea lack a traditional striker due to injury or loss of form.
Bompastor will need to use her as a strategic weapon rather than a constant solution, as reliance on a single player is unsustainable. Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures include a clash with Arsenal and a Champions League tie against Lyon later in the month.
Neither opponent is likely to be as accommodating as United, meaning the Blues will need to maintain their high‑intensity approach. Turning to Arsenal, the return of Leah Stanway has been a highlight in the opening weeks. The midfielder, who left for Bayern Munich in 2022, has come back to the WSL as a more rounded player.
Her on‑ball skill was evident during her England duties, but her passing range has expanded even further. Stanway completed 98 passes on her Arsenal debut, and across the first two matchweeks only Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk has amassed more passes (194).
Of those, 91 were directed into the final third – a league‑leading figure. Such accuracy creates fresh attacking avenues for Arsenal, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creative outlet. Stanway’s four key chances have already provided Arsenal with the means to break down opponents, as seen in their recent win over Crystal Palace. While Alessia Russo was uncharacteristically wasteful, Stanway’s supply line should keep the Gunners well supplied with opportunities.
In summary, Manchester United’s early-season slump highlights deeper structural issues within the club’s women’s side, from investment shortfalls to a lack of experienced talent. Eva Olid faces a daunting task of rebuilding confidence and performance while navigating limited resources.
Conversely, Chelsea’s dominant display underscores the importance of depth and tactical flexibility, and Arsenal’s resurgence is being driven by the return of a more complete Stanway. The coming weeks will be crucial for all three clubs as they seek to define their trajectories for the rest of the season.