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 deeper look at 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 outing and saw them reach three 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 find themselves perched at the very bottom of the WSL, sporting a goal difference worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After years of incremental progress, the side appears to be sliding into a pronounced decline.
United are currently enduring their longest winless spell in the league since the team was re‑established in 2018 – six matches without a victory. Even though the sample size of just two opening defeats is small, both games have exposed serious concerns. For new boss Eva Olid, two heavy losses so early in her tenure have amplified the pressure on her position.
It would be unfair to blame Olid entirely for United’s predicament. She inherited a squad already burdened with deeper structural problems. 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 defiant tone signals a resolve to fight back, but it also hints at an awareness that the club’s backing may be wavering.
Internally, discussions about the level of support for the women’s programme are likely already underway. The lack of confidence on the pitch mirrors a broader hesitancy within the club regarding its women’s side. Critics have long pointed to insufficient investment and a perceived lack of interest from the hierarchy. This summer, United opted to focus on youth development – a cheaper model – rather than splurging on established stars.
That strategic shift was cited as a factor in Skinner’s "mutual separation" from the club. The 43‑year‑old manager had openly requested more resources, a plea that appears to have been met with resistance.
Olid’s challenge, if it was not already evident, has now been laid bare in a harsh way after just two matches. United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly‑promoted side in their opening two games, a dubious achievement they share with Leicester City, who were relegated last season. Every team undergoing a managerial change needs a period of adjustment, but United’s adaptation has been anything but smooth. Their 14‑game history of failing to beat Chelsea in the WSL underscores a chronic problem: they simply do not win against the league’s powerhouse.
Moreover, losing by a five‑goal margin is a rarity for United, indicating that the solid foundation Skinner built has become alarmingly fragile. Looking ahead, United face Arsenal next Saturday on Sky Sports. With so many areas needing improvement, it is difficult to pinpoint a single starting point. Perhaps the only direction left is upward.
Olid cannot afford to let performances deteriorate further. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s victory was a statement of intent, reminding everyone of their collective strength even when under scrutiny.
After a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa that attracted criticism for a perceived lack of ambition, Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, delivering a clinical display against United. Bompastor summed up the philosophy: "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 certainly did not extend any courtesy to United; their dominance was a clear illustration of elite teams exploiting weaker opposition.
Lauren James once again proved to be Chelsea’s talisman. This week, however, she faced formidable resistance from United’s midfield. Keira Walsh orchestrated play, while Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein imposed themselves, topping the duel count. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to find pockets of space in central areas, and even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed by pulling the ball into the final third.
James, in turn, capitalised on these opportunities, registering 19 shots across two games – the highest tally in the league – and showcasing her potential as a false‑9 should Chelsea ever lack a traditional striker. Bompastor will need to use James judiciously, as relying on a single player each week is unsustainable. Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and then Lyon in the Champions League will pose far stiffer challenges than United.
On the other side of the league, Arsenal’s midfield has caught my eye. Since returning to the WSL after a stint with Bayern Munich, Stina Stanway has evolved into a markedly different player. Her ball‑handling, already proven at international level, has been complemented by an expanded passing range. Stanway completed 98 passes on her Arsenal debut.
Across the first two matchweeks, only Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk has amassed more passes – 194 in total – with 91 of those directed into the final third, a league‑leading figure. This level of precision creates fresh attacking avenues for Arsenal and reduces the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creative hub.
Stanway’s four key passes in the win over Crystal Palace were instrumental in breaking down the opposition, even if Alessia Russo failed to convert them. The improved supply line from Stanway promises that Arsenal will remain a threat even when other playmakers are unavailable. Their ability to diversify the source of chances will be crucial as they navigate a congested schedule that includes domestic and European commitments.
In summary, Manchester United’s early-season woes highlight deeper systemic issues that go beyond a single manager’s influence. While Eva Olid brings determination and a willingness to speak out, the club must address its investment strategy, squad depth, and overall confidence if it hopes to reverse the current slide.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s emphatic win serves as a reminder of the gap between the league’s elite and the rest, and Arsenal’s midfield resurgence offers a glimpse of how tactical evolution can reshape a team’s fortunes. The coming weeks will be decisive for all involved as they strive to turn challenges into opportunities.