Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the major talking points from the second round of Women's Super League fixtures, drawing readers into the pivotal narratives shaping the women's game today. Manchester United experienced a landmark period 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 outing and saw them reach three additional domestic cup finals. Those achievements suggested a club on an upward trajectory, a platform from which to build further success. Fast forward to the present, and the picture looks starkly different. Skinner has departed, and United now sit at the very bottom of the Women's Super League table, sporting a goal difference that is even worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic.
After years of gradual progress, the side appears to be in clear regression. United are currently enduring their longest winless streak in the league since the team was re‑established in 2018 – six games without a victory. While the sample size of two opening defeats is small, both losses have exposed deep‑seated problems that cannot be ignored. The two heavy defeats have placed immediate and intense pressure on new head coach Eva Olid, who is still in the early stages of her tenure.
It would be unfair to blame Olid entirely for the club's predicament. She inherited a squad already grappling with systemic issues that go well beyond two poor results. 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 call for an uplifted attitude reflects a need for collective resilience rather than an admission of personal failure.
From this point forward, Olid must adopt a defiant stance, but she also has a legitimate right to question the level of support she receives from the club hierarchy. Internally, conversations about resources, recruitment policy and strategic direction are likely already underway. The lack of confidence displayed on the pitch mirrors a broader hesitation within the club regarding its women’s programme.
Criticism of Manchester United’s investment – or perceived lack thereof – has been a recurring theme. The decision to focus on youth development, a cheaper model, rather than bringing in established stars during the summer transfer window, was cited as a key factor in Skinner’s departure, which was publicly described as a mutual separation. The 43‑year‑old manager had openly expressed a desire for more tools and backing, pleas that apparently met resistance from senior officials. If the challenges Olid faces were not obvious before, they have now been laid bare in a harsh manner after just two matches.
United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly promoted side in their opening two games, a dubious statistic that puts them level with Leicester City’s 2022‑23 campaign, which ended in relegation. Every team undergoing a managerial change needs a period of adaptation, but the transition for United has been anything but smooth. Their inability to beat Chelsea – a team they have never defeated in 14 attempts – underscores a persistent reality: United simply do not win against the league’s top side. Moreover, losing by a five‑goal margin is unprecedented for the club, indicating that the solid foundation Skinner built is now visibly shaky.
Looking ahead, United face Arsenal on Sky Sports next Saturday. With so many areas requiring improvement, it is difficult to pinpoint a single starting point; perhaps the only direction is upward. Olid cannot afford a further decline in performances if she hopes to keep her job.
Chelsea, on the other hand, used their victory as a statement of intent. After receiving criticism for a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, delivering a display that highlighted 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." The Blues showed no mercy, exploiting United’s frailties and reinforcing the gap between elite and ordinary teams.
Lauren James once again proved to be Chelsea’s attacking engine. This week, however, she was matched by outstanding performances from others.
Mid‑fielder Keira Walsh dictated the tempo, while Sjoeke Nüsken and Wieke Kaptein dominated the duel count, each winning a majority of their battles. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to operate in the central channels, and even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed by pushing the ball into the final third. James amassed 19 shots in 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 form. Bompastor will need to manage James wisely, using her as a game‑changing weapon rather than a constant presence, because such an approach cannot be sustained week after week.
Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures include a clash with Arsenal followed by 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 standards.
Turning to Arsenal, the return of Jordan Nobbs‑style midfielder Stina Blackstenius (referred to here as Stanway) has captured attention. After a stint with Bayern Munich that ended in 2022, she has returned to the WSL as a markedly different player. Her ball‑handling, honed through years of international experience with England, has evolved further, especially in terms of range of passing.
In her debut for Arsenal, Stanway completed 98 passes, and across the first two matchweeks she amassed 194 passes – more than any other player except Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk. Remarkably, 91 of those passes were directed into the final third, a league‑leading figure that creates fresh attacking opportunities for the Gunners and reduces the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creative hub. Stanway’s precision has already begun to bear fruit. Arsenal’s recent victory over Crystal Palace was facilitated by four clear chances she generated, although Alessia Russo was uncharacteristically wasteful in finishing them.
Nevertheless, Stanway’s ability to supply high‑quality balls should ensure Arsenal remain threatening in future matches. In summary, Manchester United’s early season woes highlight deeper structural issues that extend beyond the new manager’s short‑term results. While Chelsea continues to demonstrate why they are among the league’s elite, Arsenal’s emerging talents suggest a shifting balance of power as the season progresses. Fans can look forward to a thrilling continuation of the Women’s Super League, with each club striving to define its identity and ambition amidst a competitive landscape.