Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the headline 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 turning point under former manager Marc Skinner. After securing their first major trophy in 2024, Skinner guided the team to the quarter‑finals of the Champions League in their debut European campaign and saw them reach three additional domestic cup finals.
Those achievements suggested a club on an upward trajectory, a platform from which to build further success. The reality now feels starkly different. Skinner has departed, and United sit at the very bottom of the WSL table, boasting a worse goal difference than newly promoted Charlton Athletic.
After years of incremental progress, the side appears to be sliding backwards. United are currently enduring their longest win‑less streak in the league since the team was re‑established in 2018 – six matches without a victory. The two opening defeats, although a small sample size, have already exposed serious weaknesses.
Both losses have placed immediate pressure on new boss Eva Olid, who is only just beginning her tenure. It would be unfair to blame Olid for the depth of United’s problems. She inherited a squad that is already struggling, and the issues run far deeper than two poor results.
After a 5‑0 drubbing by Chelsea – a side that fielded a line‑up without a recognised striker – Olid said, "I don't like the heads down. Heads up and we have to continue." Her comments underline a need for confidence, yet the team’s morale on the pitch mirrors the broader uncertainty surrounding the club’s commitment to its women’s programme. Criticism of United’s investment – or lack thereof – has been abundant.
The club’s decision to focus on youth development, a cheaper alternative to signing established stars, was a key factor in Skinner’s exit, which was publicly described as a mutual separation. The 43‑year‑old manager had made it clear he wanted more resources and greater control over recruitment; those requests were apparently met with resistance from the hierarchy. If the challenges Olid faces were not obvious before, they have 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 distinction they share with Leicester City last season, a team that ultimately suffered relegation.
Every club needs a period of adjustment after a managerial change, but United’s adaptation has been anything but smooth. Their record against Chelsea is bleak – they have never beaten the Blues in the WSL, and the recent 5‑0 loss is simply the latest chapter in that ongoing saga. The heavy margin of defeat is also unusual; United rarely lose by such a wide gap, suggesting that the foundation Skinner built is now visibly shaky. Looking ahead, United face Arsenal next Saturday on Sky Sports.
With so many areas requiring improvement, it is difficult to pinpoint a single starting point. Perhaps the only direction left is upward, but that will demand rapid learning and decisive action from Olid, who cannot afford a further decline in performances. 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’s side responded emphatically, demonstrating the depth of their talent. Bompastor summed it up: "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, exploiting United’s frailties and reinforcing the gap between elite and ordinary teams. Lauren James once again proved to be Chelsea’s attacking catalyst.
While she was the focal point, other players shone equally. Keira Walsh dictated the midfield tempo, while Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein dominated the duels. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to find space in central areas.
Even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed by moving the ball into the final third. James recorded 19 shots across two games – the highest in the league – and offers a potent option as a false nine when Chelsea lack a traditional striker due to injury or form.
Bompastor will need to manage James wisely, using her as a surprise element rather than a constant fixture, as over‑reliance could make the team predictable. Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and then Lyon in the Champions League will test whether their current dominance can be sustained against stronger opposition.
Turning to Arsenal, the return of midfielder Lotte Wubben‑Moylan (re‑signed as Stanway) has been a pleasant surprise. After a stint with Bayern Munich and extensive experience with the England national team, she has returned to the WSL as a more complete player.
In her debut for Arsenal, she completed 98 passes, and across the first two matchweeks she amassed 194 passes – the second‑most after Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk – with 91 of those directed into the final third, a league‑leading figure. Stanway’s precision and vision are creating fresh attacking avenues for Arsenal, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creator. Her four key passes in the recent win over Crystal Palace helped the Gunners break through, although Alessia Russo failed to capitalise on many of those chances.
Nonetheless, Stanway’s ability to supply quality balls should keep Arsenal threatening throughout the season. In summary, Manchester United’s early-season slump highlights deeper structural issues within the club’s women’s programme, from investment shortfalls to strategic missteps in recruitment. Eva Olid faces a steep climb to restore confidence and competitiveness, while Chelsea continues to assert its dominance, using every opportunity to reinforce its elite status.
Arsenal, meanwhile, benefits from the resurgence of a seasoned midfielder whose passing range could prove pivotal in their quest for higher league placement. The coming weeks will be crucial for all three clubs as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 2024‑25 Women’s Super League campaign.