Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the most pressing issues emerging 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 season under Marc Skinner. After clinching their first major trophy in 2024, the former manager guided the team to the quarter‑finals of the Champions League in their inaugural European outing and secured places in three additional domestic cup finals.
Those achievements suggested a club on an upward trajectory, a platform from which to launch future successes. 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 even worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After several years of incremental progress, the side appears to be in clear decline. United are enduring their longest winless streak in league play since the women's team was re‑established in 2018 – six matches without a victory. Their opening two defeats, though a small sample size, have already exposed serious concerns.
Both losses have placed immediate and intense pressure on new head coach 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 plagued by deeper structural problems that pre‑date her arrival. 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 underlying doubts about the level of support she receives from the club hierarchy. Internally, conversations about resources and backing are likely already underway.
The lack of confidence on the pitch mirrors a broader hesitancy within the club regarding its women’s programme. Critics have long highlighted the insufficient investment and even a lack of genuine interest from Manchester United’s senior leadership. The decision this summer to focus on youth development – a cheaper alternative to signing established stars – was a key factor in Skinner’s exit, which was publicly described as a "mutual separation." Skinner, now 43, had openly expressed a desire for more tools and greater authority to strengthen the squad; his pleas appear to have been met with resistance.
If the challenges Olid faces were not obvious before, they have now been laid bare in a stark fashion. United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly promoted side across their first two games, a dubious distinction they share with Leicester City from the 2022‑23 season, a campaign that ended in relegation.
Every team undergoing a managerial change needs a period of adjustment, but United’s situation is far from merely uncomfortable – it is alarming. The team has now failed in all 14 attempts to beat Chelsea in the WSL, and the recent 5‑0 loss is simply the latest chapter in a long‑standing pattern of domination by the London club. While United have never consistently beaten Chelsea, losing by such a wide margin is also unusual and points to a fragile foundation that Skinner painstakingly built. Looking ahead, United face Arsenal next Saturday on Sky Sports.
The match offers a chance to assess where the team stands, but the list of areas needing improvement is extensive. From defensive organisation to creative midfield play, the squad must find a way to lift its performance levels quickly, because Olid cannot afford to let results 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, demonstrating the depth of their quality. Bompastor explained, "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 weaknesses and underscoring the gulf between elite and ordinary teams. Lauren James once again proved why she is a key weapon for Chelsea.
Her movement, combined with the support of full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter, created space for her to thrive in central areas. Midfield dynamo Keira Walsh orchestrated the flow, while Dutch internationals Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein won numerous duels, further tilting the balance in Chelsea’s favour.
James recorded 19 shots across two games – the highest tally in the league – and her ability to operate as a false nine provides Chelsea with a versatile attacking outlet when traditional strikers are unavailable. Bompastor will need to manage James wisely, using her as a “get‑out‑of‑jail‑free” option rather than relying on her every match. Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and Lyon in the Champions League will present far sterner tests than United, and the team will have to adapt their tactics accordingly.
Turning back to Arsenal, the emergence of Lotte Wubben Moy Stanway has been a highlight of the early weeks. Returning to the WSL after a spell with Bayern Munich, Stanway’s passing range and vision have already impressed. She completed 98 passes on her debut for Arsenal, and over the first two matchweeks she amassed 194 passes – more than any player except Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk – with 91 of those delivered into the final third, a league‑leading figure.
Stanway’s precision creates new attacking avenues for the Gunners, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creator. Her four key passes in the win over Crystal Palace helped Arsenal break through, although Alessia Russo was wasteful with the chances created. Nonetheless, Stanway’s ability to supply quality balls should keep Arsenal’s offense potent throughout the season.
In summary, Manchester United’s early season woes highlight a club in transition, grappling with insufficient investment, a loss of strategic direction, and a need for immediate improvement under a new manager. Chelsea continue to assert their dominance, while Arsenal benefit from the rise of a talented midfielder in Stanway. The coming weeks will be crucial for all three teams as they seek to define their trajectories for the rest of the campaign.
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