Laura Hunter, a columnist for Sky Sports, 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. In recent weeks, Manchester United's women's side has experienced a dramatic shift in fortunes, moving from a period of optimism under former manager Marc Skinner to a stark reality that suggests a rapid decline. Under Skinner, United enjoyed a historic season. The team captured its first major trophy of 2024 and, in a remarkable debut on the continental stage, reached the Champions League quarter‑finals.
In addition, the club contested three domestic cup finals, a clear sign that the squad was on an upward trajectory and that the foundation for future success had been laid. Those achievements painted a picture of a club ready to build on its momentum. Fast forward to the present, and the picture has changed dramatically. 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 years of incremental progress, the side appears to be slipping backward, and the statistics underscore the seriousness of the situation. The team is currently enduring its longest winless streak in the league since the women's program was re‑established in 2018, having gone six matches without a victory. While the sample size of two opening defeats is small, both losses have exposed deep‑seated problems that cannot be ignored. New manager Eva Olid has been thrust into a challenging environment.
Her first two games have been heavy defeats, including a 5‑0 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea, a side that fielded a line‑up without a recognized striker yet still managed to dominate. Olid herself admitted after the loss that she dislikes seeing her players “heads down,” urging them to keep their heads up and maintain belief despite the adversity. Her resolve must now be unflinching, but it is understandable that she may be questioning the level of support she receives from the club hierarchy. Internally, conversations about resources, recruitment, and strategic direction are likely already underway.
The broader context of United's predicament involves long‑standing concerns about investment in the women's program. The club has been criticized for a perceived lack of interest and financial commitment. This summer, United opted for a youth‑development model, favoring cheaper, home‑grown talent over established stars. That decision was a key factor in Skinner's departure, which was publicly framed as a mutual separation.
Skinner, now 43, had openly expressed a desire for more tools and backing to compete at the highest level, and it appears his pleas were met with resistance from the board. Olid’s challenges were perhaps not fully apparent until the opening two fixtures laid them bare.
United matched the league record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly promoted side over the first two games—a dubious distinction they share with Leicester City, who were relegated after a similar start last season. While any team undergoing a managerial change needs time to adjust, United’s situation is compounded by a historical inability to beat Chelsea.
The Blues have defeated United in all 14 previous WSL encounters, and the recent 5‑0 loss continues that trend while also highlighting the widening gap in quality. Looking ahead, United face Arsenal on Saturday in a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The stakes are high, and the team must find a way to tighten up defensively, create more chances, and restore confidence.
The only realistic path forward is to improve incrementally, focusing on fundamentals such as possession retention, pressing intensity, and set‑piece organization. Chelsea, on the other hand, used their victory as a statement of intent.
After facing criticism for a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, manager Sonia Bompastor emphasized the importance of capitalising on opportunities, noting that the best way to respect an opponent is to score as many goals as possible when you have the chance. The Blues delivered a ruthless performance against United, showcasing their depth and tactical flexibility.
Key performers for Chelsea included Lauren James, who continued to demonstrate why she is considered a game‑changing forward. James recorded 19 shots across the two matches, the highest tally in the league, and proved effective both as a traditional striker and as a false nine when needed. Supporting her were midfield dynamo Keira Walsh, who dictated tempo, and defenders Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein, who dominated aerial duels and contributed to the team’s overall physical presence. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to exploit central spaces, while Lucy Bronze’s occasional forays into the final third added an extra threat.
Chelsea’s upcoming schedule includes a clash with Arsenal and a Champions League tie against Lyon later in the month, both of which will test the squad’s consistency and depth. Their dominant display against United serves as a reminder that the gap between the league’s elite and the rest remains significant. Arsenal’s own narrative this week has been shaped by the return of midfielder Emma Stanway. After a stint with Bayern Munich and extensive international experience with England, Stanway re‑entered the WSL as a more complete player.
In her debut, she completed 98 passes, and over the first two matchweeks she amassed 194 passes, with 91 directed into the final third—a league‑leading figure only surpassed by Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk. Stanway’s vision and passing accuracy have already begun to diversify Arsenal’s attacking options, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the primary creator. Her ability to unlock defenses was evident in Arsenal’s recent win over Crystal Palace, where her precise distribution helped generate multiple clear‑cut chances.
While Alessia Russo was less efficient in converting those opportunities, Stanway’s influence ensures Arsenal can maintain pressure and create scoring chances from various positions on the pitch. Her development highlights how strategic player acquisitions and nurturing talent can elevate a team’s performance.
In summary, Manchester United’s women’s side finds itself at a crossroads just weeks into the new season. The combination of managerial turnover, limited squad depth, and insufficient club backing has produced a perfect storm of challenges. Eva Olid must navigate these obstacles while striving to restore belief and competitive spirit.
Meanwhile, Chelsea continues to assert its dominance, and Arsenal benefits from the emergence of a new midfield engine in Emma Stanway. The coming weeks will be crucial for United as they seek to halt their slide and begin the arduous climb back toward the top of the table.