Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the major 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 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 campaign and saw them reach three additional domestic cup finals. All signs at the time suggested a club on the rise, a solid 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 incremental progress, the squad now appears to be in clear decline. United are currently enduring their longest winless streak in the league since the women's side was re‑established in 2018 – six matches without a victory. Their first two defeats, while a small sample size, have already exposed serious problems that demand urgent attention.
The two heavy losses have placed immediate pressure on new manager Eva Olid, who is only just beginning her tenure. It would be unfair to blame the current predicament solely on Olid.
She inherited a squad already grappling with deeper issues 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 comment underscores a need for a collective mental shift, not just tactical tweaks.
Olid must now 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 and backing are likely already underway. The lack of confidence displayed on the pitch seems to mirror a broader hesitancy within the club regarding investment in the women's programme.
Criticism of United's under‑investment has been plentiful. The decision to focus on youth development – a cheaper model – rather than bringing in established stars this summer was cited as a key factor in Skinner’s departure, which was publicly described as a "mutual separation." Skinner, now 43, had openly expressed a desire for greater tools and resources to compete at the highest level.
Those pleas appear to have been met with resistance, leaving the squad ill‑equipped for the challenges ahead. If the difficulty of Olid’s task was not obvious before, it has 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 opening two games, a dubious achievement they share with Leicester City, who were relegated last season after a similar lack of attacking output. Every team undergoing a managerial change needs a period of adjustment, but United’s situation is more severe than a simple settling‑in phase. They have failed in all 14 attempts to beat Chelsea in the WSL, and the recent 5‑0 loss simply continues a long‑standing pattern of being outclassed by the league’s top side. While losing heavily to Chelsea is rare, it highlights how fragile the foundation built by Skinner has become.
Looking ahead, United face Arsenal next Saturday in a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. With so many areas requiring improvement, it is difficult to pinpoint a single starting point. Perhaps the only realistic direction is upward – a gradual climb back to competitiveness. Olid cannot afford to let performances deteriorate further.
The pressure to halt the slide is mounting, and any additional setbacks could jeopardise her position. On the other side of the scoreline, Chelsea’s victory was a clear statement of intent. After being criticised for a lacklustre 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, manager Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, demonstrating the depth and quality of her squad.
Bompastor reflected, "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," a philosophy that was evident in the dominant display against United. Chelsea showed no mercy, exploiting United’s weaknesses with clinical efficiency. Lauren James once again proved to be a decisive factor for the Blues, but this week she was supported by an impressive collective effort.
Mid‑fielder Keira Walsh orchestrated the flow of the game, while Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein won the majority of duels, adding physical presence in midfield. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width and relentless runs, stretching the pitch and creating space for James to operate in the central channels.
Even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed by advancing the ball into the final third, illustrating the fluidity of Chelsea’s modern attacking structure. James accumulated 19 shots across the two games, the highest tally in the league, and continues to offer a potent option as a false nine when Chelsea lack a traditional striker due to injury or form dips. Bompastor will need to manage her usage carefully, ensuring she remains effective throughout a congested schedule that includes upcoming clashes with Arsenal and a Champions League tie against Lyon. Turning back to the league, Arsenal’s midfielder Lotte Wubben‑Moylan (referred to as Stanway in the original piece) has attracted attention with her passing range during the opening weeks.
Returning to the WSL after a stint with Bayern Munich, she has demonstrated a refined skill set honed during her international career with England. In her debut for Arsenal, she completed 98 passes, and across the first two matchweeks she amassed 194 passes – 91 of which were directed into the final third, a league‑leading figure. Such precision opens new avenues for Arsenal, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creative hub. Stanway’s vision and ability to thread balls into dangerous areas gave the Gunners a chance to break the deadlock against Crystal Palace, although Alessia Russo failed to capitalise on the opportunities presented.
Overall, the early season narrative in the Women’s Super League is one of contrasting fortunes. Manchester United, once on an upward trajectory, now confront a steep decline that threatens to undo years of progress. Their new manager faces the daunting task of rebuilding confidence, securing adequate resources, and re‑establishing a competitive identity. Meanwhile, Chelsea continue to assert their dominance, using every opportunity to reinforce their status as the league’s benchmark.
As the season unfolds, the next few fixtures will be crucial for United. A respectable performance against Arsenal could serve as a catalyst for change, while further defeats may deepen the crisis. For fans and stakeholders alike, the hope is that the club’s leadership will respond decisively, providing the support necessary for Olid to turn the tide and restore Manchester United Women to the prominence they once seemed destined to enjoy.