Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the headline‑grabbing issues from the second round of Women's Super League fixtures, giving readers a deeper look at the narratives shaping the women’s game. Manchester United experienced a turning point 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 debut European campaign and saw them reach three additional domestic cup finals. Those achievements suggested a club on the rise, a platform from which to build further success.
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 worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic.
After years of incremental progress, the side appears to be sliding backward. United are enduring their longest winless streak in league play 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 serious structural problems. The heavy losses have placed immediate pressure on new manager Eva Olid, who is only just beginning her tenure.
It would be unfair to blame Olid for United’s predicament. She inherited a squad already burdened with deeper issues than two poor results can explain. After a 5‑0 drubbing by Chelsea – a team that fielded no recognised striker – Olid remarked, "I don't like the heads down. Heads up and we have to continue." Her defiant tone reflects the need to rally the players, but it also hints at doubts about the support she receives from the club hierarchy.
Internally, conversations about backing the manager may already be underway, as the lack of confidence on the pitch mirrors the broader uncertainty surrounding United’s women’s programme. Criticism of the club’s investment – or rather, the perceived lack of it – has been a recurring theme.
United’s decision to focus on youth development, a cheaper alternative to signing established stars, was cited as a factor in Skinner’s departure, which was publicly described as a mutual separation. The 43‑year‑old coach had openly requested additional resources and authority, requests that were apparently met with resistance. Olid’s challenge, once vague, has now become starkly visible. United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly‑promoted side across their first two games, a record previously held by Leicester City in the season that ended in relegation.
While a period of adjustment is normal after a managerial change, United’s situation feels especially grim. Their 14‑game history of never beating Chelsea in the WSL underscores that the latest 5‑0 loss is simply another chapter in a long‑standing nightmare; United rarely lose by such a margin, but when they do, the foundations laid by Skinner appear suddenly fragile. The team’s next test comes against Arsenal, broadcast live on Sky Sports next Saturday.
With so many areas requiring improvement, it is hard to pinpoint a 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 statement of intent. After being criticised for failing to convert a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, manager Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically.
"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," Bompastor said, underscoring the philosophy behind the rout. Chelsea showed no mercy, exploiting United’s weaknesses with a clinical display. Lauren James continued to be the Blues’ attacking talisman, while midfield dynamo Keira Walsh orchestrated play.
Defenders Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein were also influential, topping the duel count and adding physical presence. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to drift into central zones, and even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed by advancing the ball into the final third. James has already recorded 19 shots in two league games – the highest total in the competition – and demonstrates the potential to operate 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 surprise element rather than a constant focal point, because reliance on a single player is rarely sustainable over a full season. 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’s current level. Turning to Arsenal, the return of Jordan Stanway has been a bright spot.
After leaving for Bayern Munich in 2022, Stanway has come back to the WSL as a more complete player, her development with the England national team evident in her enhanced range of passing. In her debut for Arsenal she completed 98 passes, and across the first two matchweeks she amassed 194 passes – only Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk has exceeded that tally. Ninety‑one of Stanway’s passes were into the final third, a league‑leading figure that creates clear attacking opportunities and reduces the team’s reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creator.
Stanway’s precision has already begun to unlock Arsenal’s forward play. Although Alessia Russo was wasteful in converting chances, the supply line that Stanway provides should ensure Arsenal are never short of quality service. This added creativity could be decisive in upcoming games, especially against stronger opponents. In summary, Manchester United’s early-season woes highlight a club in transition, grappling with managerial change, limited investment, and a loss of confidence that mirrors broader institutional doubts.
Eva Olid faces a daunting task: to rebuild belief, improve performance metrics, and halt a slide that threatens the progress made over the past few years. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s emphatic win serves as a reminder of the gap between the league’s elite and those still finding their footing. Arsenal, benefitting from the resurgence of Jordan Stanway, appear poised to challenge for higher positions, provided they can translate passing statistics into goals.
The coming weeks will be crucial for all three clubs as they navigate the challenges of a competitive WSL season.