Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the second round of Women's Super League fixtures, giving readers a closer look at the narratives shaping the women's game. Manchester United experienced a landmark season under Marc Skinner.
After clinching their first major trophy in 2024, Skinner guided the team to the Champions League quarter‑finals in their debut European outing and saw them reach three additional domestic cup finals. Those achievements suggested a club on an upward trajectory, a solid platform to build upon. The current reality, however, could not be more different.
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 several years of incremental progress, the team appears to be sliding backward.
United are enduring their longest winless streak in the league since the women's side was re‑established in 2018 – six matches without a victory. The first two defeats, though a small sample, have already exposed serious shortcomings. Both losses have placed immediate pressure on new manager Eva Olid, who is only just beginning her tenure. It would be unfair to lay the blame for United's predicament solely at Olid's feet.
She inherited a squad already grappling with deeper structural problems. After a 5‑0 drubbing by Chelsea – a side that fielded no recognised striker – Olid remarked, "I don't like the heads down.
Heads up and we have to continue." Her comment underscores the need for a collective shift in attitude rather than a single‑person fix. Olid must now adopt a defiant stance, yet she has every 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 its women’s programme. Criticism has long been aimed at Manchester United for insufficient investment in the women’s side.
The club’s recent strategy of prioritising youth development – a more cost‑effective approach – over signing established stars contributed to Skinner’s departure, which was publicly described as a "mutual separation." Skinner, now 43, had openly requested greater tools and resources to compete at the highest level; those pleas appear to have been met with resistance. If the challenges facing Olid were previously abstract, they have now become starkly concrete. United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly‑promoted team over their opening two games, a dubious distinction they share with Leicester City, who were relegated last season.
Adapting to a new manager always entails a transition period, but United’s situation is especially grim. They have failed in all 14 attempts to beat Chelsea in the WSL, and the recent 5‑0 loss is simply the latest chapter in a long‑standing pattern of defeat against the London club. While United have rarely lost by such a wide margin, the result highlights how the solid foundation built by Skinner has become precarious. The next test comes against Arsenal, broadcast live on Sky Sports next Saturday.
United have numerous areas needing improvement, and pinpointing a clear starting point will be challenging. The only realistic mantra may be "the only way is up." Olid cannot afford a further decline in performances, especially as Chelsea’s victory served as a stark reminder of elite quality. After a lacklustre 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." Chelsea showed no mercy to United, delivering a dominant display that underscored the gulf between the league’s top tier and its struggling clubs. Lauren James continued to be Chelsea’s attacking lynchpin, while midfield dynamo Keira Walsh orchestrated play.
Defenders Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein were also influential, winning the most duels on the pitch. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to exploit central spaces, and even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed by advancing the ball into the final third. James accumulated 19 shots across two games – the highest in the league – proving her value as a versatile false‑9 when Chelsea lack a traditional striker.
Bompastor will need to manage James wisely, using her as a game‑changing option without over‑relying on her each week. Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and Lyon in the Champions League will present far sterner tests than United’s current opposition. On the Arsenal side, midfielder Emily Stanway has attracted attention in the opening weeks.
Returning to the WSL after a spell with Bayern Munich, Stanway’s development has been evident. She completed 98 passes on her debut for Arsenal, and across the first two matchweeks she amassed 194 passes – more than any other player except Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk.
Ninety‑one of those passes were into the final third, a league‑leading figure. Stanway’s precision creates fresh attacking avenues for Arsenal, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creative hub.
Her vision helped Arsenal carve out opportunities against Crystal Palace, although Alessia Russo failed to capitalise on many of those chances. With Stanway supplying quality service, Arsenal’s threat in the final third should continue to grow. In summary, Manchester United’s early-season struggles highlight a club in transition, grappling with managerial change, resource constraints, and a loss of confidence.
While the challenges are significant, the forthcoming matches against Arsenal and the broader league schedule will provide a clear barometer of whether Olid can steer the side back toward the promise shown under Skinner or if the decline will deepen further.