Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the second round of Women's Super League fixtures, giving readers a closer look at the narratives shaping the women's game today. Manchester United experienced a watershed moment under 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 launch further progress. The reality now looks starkly different. Skinner has departed, and United find themselves anchored at the very bottom of the WSL, sporting a goal difference that is even worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic.
After several years of gradual building, the side appears to be in clear decline. United are currently enduring their longest winless stretch in the league since the team was re‑formed in 2018 – six matches without a victory. Their opening two defeats, while a small sample, have already exposed deep‑seated problems.
Both losses have placed immediate and intense pressure on new manager 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 beset by issues that run far deeper than two poor results.
After a crushing 5‑0 defeat to Chelsea – a side that fielded no recognised striker – Olid said, "I don’t like the heads down. Heads up and we have to continue." Her comment underscores a need for confidence and resilience, but it also hints at a broader cultural malaise within the club's women’s programme. Olid must adopt a defiant stance moving forward, yet she has every right to question the level of backing she receives. Internally, conversations about resources, recruitment strategy and overall support are likely already underway.
The lack of confidence displayed on the pitch mirrors the club’s apparent hesitation to fully invest in its women’s side. Criticism about Manchester United’s investment – or lack thereof – in the women’s team has been a recurring theme.
The club’s decision to focus on youth development, a cheaper model, rather than bring in established talent this summer was cited as a key factor in Skinner’s departure, which was publicly framed as a "mutual separation." The 43‑year‑old manager had made clear his desire for greater tools and authority, pleas that were apparently met with resistance from the hierarchy. If the challenges facing Olid were not obvious before, they have 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 across their opening two fixtures, a dubious distinction they share with Leicester City last season – a team that ultimately suffered relegation. Every team undergoing a managerial change needs a period of adaptation, but United’s situation is far from pleasant. Their 14‑game winless streak against Chelsea in the WSL highlights a chronic inability to overcome the league’s dominant force. The recent 5‑0 drubbing was not only a loss but a statement: United do not win against Chelsea, and they rarely lose by such a margin.
The solid foundation that Skinner built now feels precariously shaky. Next up United face Arsenal on Sky Sports next Saturday. With so many areas requiring improvement, it is difficult to pinpoint a clear starting point.
Perhaps the only direction is upward, but Olid cannot afford to let performances deteriorate further. Chelsea, on the other hand, used their victory as a pointed reminder of their collective strength. After facing criticism for a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, emphasizing that when you have the chance to dominate a weaker opponent, the respectful thing to do is to score as many goals as possible. Their performance against United was a clear illustration of elite superiority over an ordinary side.
Lauren James once again proved to be Chelsea’s attacking talisman. Although United’s defenders, including Keira Walsh, Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein, put in strong individual displays, James capitalised on the space created by full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter, who stretched the pitch and allowed her to exploit central areas.
Lucy Bronze even ventured forward from centre‑back, delivering balls into the final third. James accumulated 19 shots across two games – the highest in the league – and showcases the potential of a false‑9 role when Chelsea lack a traditional striker due to injury or form.
Bompastor must manage James wisely, as over‑reliance could become a liability in future matches against tougher opposition such as Arsenal and Lyon in the Champions League. Turning to Arsenal, the return of Jordan Nobbs‑style midfielder Bethany Stanway has been a revelation. After a stint with Bayern Munich, Stanway returned to the WSL as a more complete player.
In her debut, 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 surpassed only by Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk. Her precision and vision are opening new creative avenues for Arsenal, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole central playmaker. Stanway’s four key passes in the win over Crystal Palace demonstrated how her supply line can generate scoring opportunities, even when Alessia Russo was uncharacteristically wasteful. Overall, the early weeks of the season have highlighted a stark contrast between clubs that are investing heavily and those that are struggling to find resources.
Manchester United’s slide to the bottom of the table underscores the consequences of limited financial backing and a reliance on youth development without adequate experience. Conversely, Chelsea’s dominant display illustrates the benefits of a well‑funded squad with depth and quality across the pitch.
For United, the path forward will require decisive action from the club’s hierarchy: increased investment, strategic recruitment, and a clear statement of intent to support the women’s programme. Only then can Olid hope to rebuild confidence, improve performances and climb out of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s emerging talents like Stanway suggest that smart recruitment and player development can yield immediate dividends. As the season progresses, fans can expect more intense battles, tactical adjustments, and perhaps a turning point for Manchester United if the club chooses to back its new manager with the resources she needs.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether United can arrest their decline or continue spiralling down the league table.