Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the major 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 today. Manchester United experienced a pivotal 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 campaign and saw them reach three domestic cup finals. Those achievements suggested a club on an upward trajectory, a platform from which to build further success.
The reality now looks starkly different. Skinner has departed, and United sit at the very bottom of the WSL table, sporting a goal‑difference that is worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After years of incremental progress, the side appears to be sliding into a clear decline. United are currently enduring their longest winless stretch in the league since the team was re‑established in 2018 – six matches without a victory.
Their opening two defeats, though a small sample size, have already exposed serious issues. The two heavy losses have placed immediate pressure on new head coach Eva Olid, who is only just beginning her tenure.
It would be unfair to blame Olid for the depth of United’s problems. She inherited a squad that was already struggling, and the challenges run far deeper than two poor results.
After a 5‑0 drubbing by Chelsea – a team that fielded no recognised striker – Olid said, "I don’t like the heads down. Heads up and we have to continue." Her comment reflects a need for resilience, but it also hints at a broader lack of confidence within the club. Olid must now adopt a defiant stance, yet she has every right to question the level of support she receives from the organisation.
Internally, discussions about resources and backing are likely already taking place. The on‑field hesitancy of United’s players mirrors the club’s overall reticence regarding its women’s programme.
Criticism of Manchester United’s investment – or lack thereof – in the women’s side has been abundant. The club’s decision to focus on youth development, a cheaper model, rather than bringing in established talent during the summer transfer window, was cited as a key factor in Skinner’s departure, which was publicly described as a "mutual separation." Skinner, now 43, had openly expressed a desire for more tools and resources to compete at the highest level. Those requests appear to have met resistance from the hierarchy. If the magnitude of the challenge facing Olid was not obvious before, it has now been laid bare in a brutally stark fashion after just two games.
United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly promoted side in their first two fixtures, equalling a low set by Leicester City last season – a team that ultimately suffered relegation. Every team undergoing a managerial change needs a period of adjustment, but United’s situation is far from pleasant. Their record against Chelsea is a grim 0‑14, and the recent 5‑0 loss simply continues a long‑standing pattern of being outclassed by the London club.
While United have never frequently lost by such a margin, this defeat underscores how fragile the foundation built by Skinner now feels. Looking ahead, United face Arsenal on Sky Sports next Saturday. With so many areas requiring improvement – defensive organisation, creative midfield play, finishing efficiency – it is hard to pinpoint a single starting point.
Perhaps the only direction is upward, but the journey will be steep. Olid cannot afford to let performances deteriorate further.
Chelsea, on the other hand, used their victory as a statement of intent. After facing criticism for a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, turning a potential setback into a showcase of their collective strength.
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, demonstrating the gulf between elite and ordinary teams. Lauren James once again proved to be Chelsea’s attacking focal point, although this week she was matched by impressive performances from opponents. Keira Walsh dictated the tempo, while Sjoeke Nüsken and Wieke Kaptein dominated the midfield duels. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to exploit central spaces.
Even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed by advancing the ball into the final third. James amassed 19 shots over two games – the highest in the league – 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 relying on her alone is unsustainable. Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures include a clash with Arsenal and a Champions League tie against Lyon later in the month, both of which will present far tougher challenges than United. In other news, Arsenal’s midfield dynamo Lotte Wubben Moyland Stanway has caught my eye during the opening weeks.
Returning to the WSL after a stint with Bayern Munich, Stanway has evolved into a more rounded player, combining the ball‑winning ability that served England well with an expanded passing range. On her debut she completed 98 passes, and across the first two matchweeks she has logged 194 passes – second only to Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk – with 91 of those directed into the final third, a league‑leading figure. Stanway’s precision creates fresh attacking avenues for Arsenal, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creator. Her four key passes in the recent win over Crystal Palace helped the Gunners break through, even though Alessia Russo was somewhat wasteful with the chances she generated.
With Stanway’s supply line, Arsenal are unlikely to run out of opportunities. Overall, the early stages of the Women’s Super League this season have highlighted a stark contrast between clubs that are investing heavily and those that are still finding their footing. Manchester United’s rapid decline under a new manager underscores the importance of strategic backing, while Chelsea’s dominant display reaffirms the benefits of a well‑resourced squad.
Arsenal’s emerging talents suggest that a blend of experience and fresh blood can produce compelling football. As the season progresses, fans can expect more drama, tactical battles, and the occasional surprise as clubs vie for supremacy in England’s top‑flight women’s competition.