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 narratives shaping the women's game today. Manchester United experienced a watershed moment under former manager Marc Skinner. The club celebrated its first major trophy in 2024, and Skinner guided the team to the quarter‑finals of the UEFA Women's Champions League in their debut European season. In addition, United reached three domestic cup finals, creating an impression of steady progress and a platform to build upon.
Fast forward to the present and the picture is starkly different. Skinner has departed, and United now sit at the very bottom of the WSL table, with a goal‑difference that is worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic.
After years of incremental development, the side appears to be in clear decline. United are currently enduring their longest winless streak in the league since the team was re‑formed in 2018 – six matches without a victory.
The two opening defeats, though a small sample size, have exposed serious underlying issues. Both 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 entirely for United's predicament.
She inherited a squad already grappling with deeper problems 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 defiant tone signals a willingness to fight back, but it also hints at a lack of confidence in the resources and support she has been given.
Internally, United may already be questioning the level of backing the women’s programme receives. The club’s broader hesitance to invest heavily in the women's side has been widely reported. This summer, United opted to focus on youth development – a cheaper model – rather than splashing cash on established stars.
That strategic shift was a key factor in Skinner’s departure, which was publicly described as a mutual separation. The 43‑year‑old manager had been vocal about wanting more tools at his disposal, and his pleas 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.
United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly promoted team in their opening two games, a dubious distinction they share with Leicester City last season, a side that was relegated. Every team under a new manager needs a period of adaptation, but United’s situation is especially grim. They have lost all 14 encounters with Chelsea in the WSL, and this latest 5‑0 defeat is simply a continuation of that miserable reality.
It is rare for United to lose by such a margin, which underscores how shaky the foundation built by Skinner has become. Looking ahead, United face Arsenal next Saturday on Sky Sports. The gap between the two sides is wide, and United have many areas that need urgent improvement.
Whether they can climb out of the abyss remains to be seen, but the only direction forward is upward. Olid cannot afford to let performances deteriorate further.
Chelsea, on the other hand, used the victory as a statement of intent. After being criticised for a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, demonstrating why they are considered the elite of the league. 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, exploiting United’s weaknesses and reinforcing the gulf between the top and the bottom of the table. Lauren James once again proved to be Chelsea’s attacking catalyst.
This week, however, she faced a well‑organised United defence that limited her usual freedom. The match saw Keira Walsh dominate the midfield, while Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein imposed themselves with high duel counts. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to find space in central areas. Even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed by advancing the ball into the final third.
James capitalised on these movements, registering 19 shots across two games – the highest in the league – and establishing herself as a potent false‑9 option when Chelsea lack a traditional striker. Bompastor will need to manage James wisely, as over‑reliance on any single player is risky. Chelsea’s schedule remains demanding, with upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and a Champions League tie against Lyon. Both opponents will present far stiffer challenges than United, and Chelsea will need to maintain their high standards to stay on top.
Turning to Arsenal, the return of Leah Stanway has been a revelation. The midfielder, who left for Bayern Munich in 2022, has come back to the WSL as a more complete player. In her debut for Arsenal, Stanway completed 98 passes, and over the first two matchweeks she amassed 194 passes – more than any other player except Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk. Impressively, 91 of those passes were into the final third, a league‑leading figure that has opened up new attacking avenues for the Gunners.
Her vision reduces the team’s reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creator and creates additional chances, as evidenced by the four clear opportunities she generated against Crystal Palace. While Alessia Russo was wasteful in front of goal, Stanway’s supply line ensures Arsenal will not be short of quality chances. Her ability to distribute the ball accurately and quickly will be crucial as Arsenal prepare for tougher fixtures later in 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 recruitment.
Eva Olid faces a monumental task of rebuilding confidence, improving tactics, and extracting the best from a squad that has lost its way. Meanwhile, Chelsea continues to assert its dominance, using big wins to silence critics, while Arsenal benefits from the resurgence of a player who can dictate the tempo and create opportunities.
The next few weeks will be decisive for all three clubs as they navigate the challenges of a competitive league and, for United, a fight for survival.