Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the second round of Women's Super League fixtures, offering readers a deeper look at the narratives shaping the women's game today. 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 campaign and secured places in three additional domestic cup finals.
Those achievements painted a picture of steady progress and suggested a solid foundation for future success. Fast forward to the present, and the picture looks dramatically different.
Skinner has departed, and United now sit at the very bottom of the WSL table, boasting a goal‑difference that is even worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After years of methodical building, the side appears to be in a clear downturn. United are currently enduring their longest winless streak in the league since the club was re‑established in 2018, having gone six matches without a victory.
Their first two defeats – a limited sample but nonetheless telling – have exposed serious weaknesses that need urgent attention. New boss Eva Olid has already felt the heat after two heavy losses, and the pressure on her position is mounting.
It would be unfair to blame Olid entirely for United’s plight. She inherited a squad that was already struggling, and the problems run deeper than two sub‑par performances.
After a 5‑0 drubbing by Chelsea – a team that fielded no recognised striker that day – Olid remarked, "I don't like the heads down. Heads up and we have to continue." Her defiant tone underscores the need for a cultural shift, but it also hints at possible internal doubts about the level of support she receives from the club hierarchy.
The lack of confidence displayed on the pitch seems to mirror a broader hesitation within Manchester United regarding investment in the women’s program. Critics have long pointed out the club’s limited financial commitment and apparent lack of interest. This summer, United opted for a youth‑development model, a cheaper alternative to signing established stars, a decision that contributed to Skinner’s exit, which was publicly described as a "mutual separation." The 43‑year‑old manager had openly requested more resources, a request that appears to have been met with resistance. Olid’s challenge was already evident, but the recent results have laid it out in stark relief.
United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly promoted side across their opening two games, a dubious distinction they share with Leicester City last season, a team that ultimately faced relegation. While any new manager needs time to adapt, United’s situation is particularly grim: they have failed in all 14 attempts to beat Chelsea in the WSL, and the latest 5‑0 loss is simply another chapter in a long‑standing nightmare. Chelsea, meanwhile, used the victory as a statement of intent.
After facing criticism for a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, with Bompastor noting, "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 did not extend any courtesy to United; their performance was a clear illustration of elite dominance over a struggling opponent. Lauren James once again proved to be Chelsea’s attacking focal point, though this week she was matched by impressive displays from opponents. Keira Walsh orchestrated play, while Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein won the most duels, and full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width that allowed James to operate effectively in central areas.
Lucy Bronze even ventured forward from centre‑back, delivering balls into the final third. James accumulated 19 shots across two games – the highest in the league – highlighting her potential as a false nine when Chelsea lack a traditional striker due to injury or form.
However, Bompastor will need to manage James wisely, as relying on a single player each week is unsustainable. Looking ahead, United face Arsenal on Sky Sports next Saturday, a match that will test their ability to improve quickly. The Gunners, on the other hand, have been bolstered by the return of midfielder Caitlin Stanway, whose passing range has matured since her stint with Bayern Munich. In her debut for Arsenal, Stanway completed 98 passes, and across the first two matchweeks she logged 194 passes – 91 of them into the final third, the highest total in the league.
This precision creates new attacking avenues for Arsenal and reduces the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creative outlet. Stanway’s influence was evident in Arsenal’s recent win over Crystal Palace, where her supply line helped generate several clear‑cut chances, even though Alessia Russo was unusually wasteful in front of goal. With Stanway pulling the strings, Arsenal are unlikely to be caught without a creative spark.
United’s immediate task is to stop the slide and rebuild confidence. The club must address structural issues – from recruitment strategy to training facilities – and provide Olid with the tools she needs to turn the tide. A stronger investment in experienced players, coupled with the existing youth talent, could create a more balanced squad capable of competing with the league’s heavyweights.
In summary, Manchester United’s early-season woes are a symptom of deeper systemic problems within the club’s women’s department. While Eva Olid’s tenure has begun under a cloud of criticism, the potential for reversal exists if the organization commits to meaningful change.
The upcoming fixtures against Arsenal, and later against top European opponents for clubs like Chelsea, will serve as crucial barometers for whether United can halt their decline and begin a genuine resurgence in the Women’s Super League.