Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the main talking points from the second round of Women's Super League fixtures, drawing readers closer to the pivotal narratives shaping the women's game. Manchester United experienced a watershed moment 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 launch further progress.
The reality today could not be more different. Skinner has departed, and United now sit at the very bottom of the Women's Super League table, possessing an even poorer goal difference than newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After years of steady, incremental building, the side now appears to be in clear decline. United are currently enduring their longest winless streak in the league since the team was re‑established in 2018 – six matches without a victory.
Their first two defeats, though a small sample size, have already exposed serious structural problems. Both losses have placed immediate, intense pressure on new head coach Eva Olid, who is only just beginning her tenure. It would be unfair to lay the entire blame for United's predicament at Olid's feet.
She inherited a squad already grappling with deep‑seated issues that extend far beyond two poor results. After a 5-0 drubbing by Chelsea – a team that fielded no recognized striker – Olid said, "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 possible internal doubts about the support she is receiving from the club hierarchy. United's lack of confidence on the pitch mirrors the broader hesitancy the club has shown toward its women's programme.
Critics have long highlighted a shortage of investment and a general lack of interest from the senior leadership. This summer, United opted to focus on youth development – a cheaper, long‑term model – rather than bring in 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 openly asked for greater resources and authority, requests that were apparently met with resistance. If the scale of the challenge facing Olid was not obvious before, it has now been laid bare in a stark manner after only two games.
United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly‑promoted side in their opening two fixtures, a dubious statistic they share with Leicester City, who were relegated last season. Adaptation periods are inevitable when a new coach takes the reins, but United's situation is particularly grim. The team has failed in all 14 attempts to defeat Chelsea in the WSL, and the latest 5-0 loss is simply a continuation of that bleak history. Losing by such a wide margin is also unusual; the foundation Skinner built now feels shaky at best.
United's next challenge is a high‑profile clash against Arsenal, broadcast live on Sky Sports next Saturday. With so many areas in need of improvement, it is difficult to know where to begin – perhaps the only direction is upward.
Olid cannot afford for performances to deteriorate further. For Chelsea, the victory was a pointed reminder of their collective strength even when they have faced criticism. After a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa that drew questions about their ability to protect a lead, 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, underlining the philosophy behind the dominant display. Chelsea showed no mercy to United, delivering a performance that was both unkind and demonstrative of the gap between elite and ordinary teams. Lauren James continued to be Chelsea’s attacking engine, while midfield dynamo Keira Walsh dictated the tempo. Dutch internationals Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein were imposing in the middle third, topping the duel count, and full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to exploit central spaces.
Even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed by pulling the ball into the attacking third. James has already recorded 19 shots across two league games – a league‑leading tally – and offers a potent option as a false nine when Chelsea lack a traditional striker due to injury or form. However, Bompastor will need to manage her usage carefully; relying on one player as a "get‑out‑of‑jail‑free" card is unsustainable over a long season.
Chelsea’s upcoming schedule includes a showdown with Arsenal and a Champions League tie against Lyon later in the month, both of which will pose far stiffer tests than United. Turning back to United, midfielder Lauren Stanway has caught my eye in these opening weeks.
Returning to the WSL after a stint with Bayern Munich, Stanway has evolved into a more complete player. Her passing range has expanded dramatically since her England appearances, and she demonstrated her influence by completing 98 passes on her Arsenal debut.
Over the first two matchweeks, only Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk has amassed more passes than Stanway’s total of 194, with 91 of those delivered into the final third – the highest figure in the league. Such precision opens new attacking avenues for Arsenal and reduces the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creative hub. Stanway’s four key chances have already provided Arsenal with the tools to break down opponents, as seen in their recent victory over Crystal Palace. While Alessia Russo was uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal, Stanway’s supply line ensures the Gunners are never far from a scoring opportunity.
In summary, Manchester United’s early-season woes reflect deeper systemic issues within the club’s women’s operation, from funding shortfalls to strategic missteps in recruitment. Eva Olid faces a daunting task of rebuilding confidence, reshaping tactics, and possibly advocating for greater institutional support. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s emphatic win serves as a reminder of the standards required to compete at the top, and Arsenal’s emerging midfield talent highlights the importance of precise ball distribution in modern football.
The coming weeks will be crucial for United as they seek to halt their slide and for the league as a whole as it continues to showcase the growing quality and competitiveness of women’s football.