Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the second round of Women's Super League fixtures, drawing readers closer to the narratives shaping the women's game today. Manchester United experienced a watershed moment under Marc Skinner.
After clinching their first major trophy in 2024, the former manager guided the team to the quarter‑finals of the Champions League in their maiden European venture and secured spots in three domestic cup finals. Those achievements suggested a club on an upward trajectory, a platform from which to launch further success.
The reality now looks starkly different. Skinner has departed, and United find themselves perched at the very bottom of the WSL, sporting a goal‑difference that is worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After several seasons of steady building, the side appears to be sliding into a 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.
The two opening defeats, while a small sample size, have already exposed deep‑seated problems. Both losses came under the watch of new boss Eva Olid, adding immediate pressure to her fledgling tenure. It would be unfair to lay the blame for United’s predicament solely at Olid’s feet.
She inherited a squad beset by issues that pre‑date her appointment. 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 call for a more positive mindset reflects a need for defiance, but it also hints at underlying doubts about the support she receives from within the club. Internally, conversations about resources and backing may already be underway, as the team’s lack of confidence on the pitch mirrors the broader ambivalence the club has shown toward its women’s programme.
Criticism of United’s investment – or rather, the perceived lack of it – has been a recurring theme. The club’s decision to prioritise youth development, a cheaper model, over the acquisition of established talent this summer was cited as a 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; those pleas were apparently met with resistance.
If the scale of the challenge facing Olid was not obvious before, it has now been laid bare in brutal fashion after just two games. United have equalled the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly promoted side in their opening two fixtures, matching Leicester City’s low output from the 2022‑23 season – a campaign that ended in relegation. Every team undergoing a managerial change needs a period of adjustment, but United’s situation is far from pleasant. Their 14‑match winless run against Chelsea in the WSL continues, and this latest 5‑0 loss is simply another chapter in a dismal saga.
United have never managed to beat Chelsea, and they rarely lose by such a wide margin, underscoring how fragile the foundation Skinner built now appears. Looking ahead, United face Arsenal next Saturday on Sky Sports, a match that will demand massive improvement. With so many areas requiring attention, it is difficult to pinpoint a single starting point – perhaps the only direction is upward. Olid cannot afford to let performances deteriorate further.
Chelsea, on the other hand, used the victory as a statement of intent. After being criticised for a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, with the French manager 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 showed no mercy, illustrating the gulf between elite and ordinary teams. Lauren James once again proved to be Chelsea’s attacking engine, though this week she was matched by strong displays from opponents.
Keira Walsh dictated the tempo, while Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein dominated duels. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to exploit central spaces, and even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed by pulling the ball into the final third.
James recorded 19 shots in two games – the highest in the league – and offers a potent option as a false‑9 when Chelsea lack a traditional striker due to injury or form. However, Bompastor will need to use her as a “get‑out‑of‑jail‑free” card sparingly, as reliance on a single player is unsustainable.
Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and then Lyon in the Champions League will test their depth; neither opponent is likely to be as accommodating as United. Turning to Arsenal, Bethany Stanway’s passing has stood out in the opening weeks.
Returning to the WSL after a spell with Bayern Munich, Stanway has shown the evolution of her game that made her a mainstay for England. In her debut for Arsenal she completed 98 passes, and across the first two matchweeks she amassed 194 passes – more than any other player except Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk – with 91 of those delivered into the final third, a league‑leading figure.
Such precision creates new attacking avenues for Arsenal, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creator. Stanway’s four key passes in the win over Crystal Palace helped the Gunners break through, even though Alessia Russo failed to convert many of those chances.
With Stanway orchestrating the supply line, Arsenal are less likely to be stranded without a clear chance‑creator. In summary, Manchester United’s early season woes highlight deeper structural issues within the club’s women’s side, while Chelsea’s dominant display reaffirms their status as a powerhouse. Arsenal, meanwhile, are beginning to reap the benefits of Stanway’s return, suggesting a possible shift in the balance of power as the season progresses.