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 inaugural major trophy in 2024, Skinner guided the team to the Champions League quarter‑finals in their very first European adventure and saw them reach three additional domestic cup finals. All signs pointed to a club on the rise, a platform from which to launch future successes.
Fast forward to the present, and the picture looks starkly different. Skinner has departed, and United now sit at the bottom of the WSL table, sporting a goal‑difference that is even worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After several years of measured progress, the squad appears to be sliding backward. United are enduring their longest winless streak in league play since the women's side was re‑established in 2018 – six matches without a victory.
Their first two defeats, though a small sample size, have already exposed serious weaknesses. For new head coach Eva Olid, these early setbacks have amplified the pressure on her tenure. It would be unfair to lay the blame for United’s predicament solely at Olid’s feet.
She inherited a group of players and a set of systemic problems that run deeper than two poor results. After a 5‑0 drubbing by Chelsea – a side that fielded a line‑up without a recognised striker – Olid commented, "I don't like the heads down.
Heads up and we have to continue." Her call for optimism is necessary, yet it also highlights the need for stronger backing from the club hierarchy. Internally, conversations about resources and support are likely already underway, as the lack of confidence on the pitch mirrors the broader uncertainty surrounding the women’s programme at Old Trafford. Criticism of Manchester United’s investment – or lack thereof – in the women’s team has been abundant. The club’s strategic shift toward developing youth, a more cost‑effective model, rather than signing established stars this summer, was a key factor in Skinner’s departure, which was publicly framed as a mutual separation.
The 43‑year‑old manager had openly requested greater tools and authority, requests that appear to have been met with resistance from the board. Olid’s challenge has now been laid bare in a brutally clear way after just 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 honour they share with Leicester City’s 2022‑23 campaign that ended in relegation. While a period of adjustment is inevitable under any new manager, United’s inability to create chances is alarming.
Historically, United have never managed to beat Chelsea in the WSL – a streak that now extends to 14 matches – and this latest loss simply adds another chapter to that bleak history. Losing by a five‑goal margin is also rare, underscoring how fragile the foundation built by Skinner now feels. The team’s next test comes against Arsenal on Sky Sports next Saturday, a match that will demand rapid improvement across every department.
The only realistic direction appears to be upward, but the path is anything but clear. Olid cannot afford to let performances deteriorate further.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s dominant display served as a reminder of their collective strength, especially after they faced criticism for failing to convert a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa earlier in the week. Manager Sonia Bompastor responded emphatically, stating that when a team has the chance to inflict serious damage, the best respect they can show is to score as many goals as possible. Chelsea certainly did not extend any courtesy to United; their victory was a stark illustration of elite teams capitalising on weaker opposition.
Chelsea’s star forward Lauren James continued to be a decisive factor, amassing 19 shots across two games – the highest tally in the league so far – and operating effectively as a false nine when the side lacks a traditional striker. Her performances are complemented by the midfield mastery of Keira Walsh and the physical presence of Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein, both of whom dominated duels.
Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to exploit central spaces, while centre‑back Lucy Bronze even ventured forward to deliver balls into the final third. James’s prolific shooting makes her a valuable asset, but Bompastor must use her sparingly, especially as the team prepares for upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and a Champions League clash with Lyon – opponents unlikely to be as accommodating as United.
Turning to Arsenal, the return of Bethany Stanway has been a highlight. After a stint with Bayern Munich and years representing England, Stanway re‑entered the WSL as a markedly different player. In her debut, she completed 98 passes, and across the first two matchweeks she accumulated 194 passes – 91 of them into the final third – the highest total in the league, second only to Liverpool’s Grace Fisk in overall completions.
Her precision and vision are opening new avenues for Arsenal, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creative force. Stanway’s ability to generate chances was evident in Arsenal’s recent win over Crystal Palace, where she created four clear opportunities, even though Alessia Russo failed to capitalise.
With Stanway orchestrating the midfield, Arsenal’s attack appears less predictable and more potent, suggesting that they will be a formidable opponent for United. In summary, Manchester United’s early season woes reflect deeper structural issues within the club’s women’s programme, from investment shortfalls to strategic choices about player recruitment. Eva Olid faces a daunting task: to revive confidence, improve attacking output, and halt a worrying slide down the table.
The upcoming clash with Arsenal will be a crucial barometer of whether United can begin to reverse their fortunes or if the current decline will continue unabated. For fans seeking a chance at a £1 million prize, the Super 6 competition remains open – entry is free.