Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the main talking points 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 landmark season under Marc Skinner. After clinching their first major trophy in 2024, Skinner guided the team to the quarter‑finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League in their debut European adventure and secured spots in three additional domestic cup finals. Those achievements suggested a club on an upward trajectory, a foundation on which to build further success.
Fast forward to the present, and the picture looks starkly different. Skinner has departed, and United now sit at the very bottom of the WSL table, trailing even newly‑promoted Charlton on goal difference.
After several years of incremental progress, the side appears to be in clear decline. The Red Devils are enduring their longest win‑less streak in the league since the team was re‑established in 2018 – six matches without a victory.
While the sample size of two opening defeats is small, both games have exposed serious weaknesses that raise alarm bells for the newly appointed manager Eva Olid. Two heavy losses so early in her tenure have put immediate pressure on her role.
It would be unfair to blame Olid entirely for United’s predicament. She inherited a squad already grappling with deeper structural issues.
After a 5‑0 drubbing by Chelsea – a team that fielded a line‑up without a recognised striker – Olid remarked, "I don’t like the heads down. Heads up and we have to continue." Her comments underline a need for confidence and resilience, yet the underlying problems run far beyond two poor performances. Olid must adopt a defiant stance moving forward, but she also has a legitimate reason to question the level of support she receives from the club hierarchy. Internally, conversations about resources and backing may already be taking place.
The lack of belief on the pitch mirrors a broader hesitancy within the club regarding its women’s programme. Criticism of United’s investment – or rather, lack thereof – has been plentiful.
The club’s strategic shift toward youth development, a cheaper model compared with buying established stars, 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 more tools and authority to compete at the highest level. It is likely those requests were met with resistance, leaving the team without the depth needed to thrive. If the challenges Olid faces were not obvious before, they have now been laid bare in a brutally stark fashion after only two games.
United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly‑promoted side across their opening two fixtures – a record previously held by Leicester City last season, a team that ultimately suffered relegation. Every club undergoing a managerial change needs a period of adjustment, and that transition is rarely smooth.
United’s woes are compounded by a historical inability to overcome Chelsea in the league; they have failed in all 14 attempts to beat the Blues. This latest 5‑0 loss simply continues a pattern of futility against the top side.
Moreover, losing by such a wide margin is unusual even for United. The solid foundation that Skinner built now feels fragile. The next test comes against Arsenal, broadcast live on Sky Sports next Saturday. With so many areas requiring improvement, it is difficult to pinpoint a single starting point – perhaps the only direction is upward.
Olid cannot afford to let performances deteriorate further. The pressure to arrest the slide is mounting, and every subsequent match will be a litmus test for her tactical acumen and the club’s willingness to back her. Turning to Chelsea, their victory over United was a statement of intent.
After receiving criticism for a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, manager Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, demonstrating the depth of their quality. 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." Chelsea showed no mercy, exploiting United’s defensive frailties and highlighting the gulf between elite and ordinary teams.
Lauren James once again proved to be a key weapon for the Blues. Though she faced stiff competition from midfield dynamo Keira Walsh and the imposing presence of Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein, James managed to convert opportunities, ending the match with 19 shots across two games – a league‑leading figure.
James’s ability to operate as a false nine offers Chelsea a versatile attacking outlet, especially when injuries or form dip affect their traditional strikers. However, Bompastor will need to manage her usage carefully, ensuring she does not become a crutch that the team relies on week after week.
Chelsea’s schedule remains demanding, with upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and a Champions League clash with Lyon later in the month. Both opponents will pose far greater challenges than United, underscoring the need for the Blues to maintain their high standards.
In the midst of United’s struggles, Arsenal’s midfield maestro Lotte Wubben‑Moyland (often referred to as Stanway) has caught my eye. Returning to the WSL after a stint with Bayern Munich, she has shown a different side of her game. While her technical ability has always been evident for England, her range of passing has expanded dramatically.
On her Arsenal debut, Stanway completed 98 passes, and across the first two matchweeks she amassed a total of 194 passes – 91 of which were directed into the final third, the highest figure in the league at that stage. Only Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk has recorded more passes overall. This precision and vision are opening new avenues for Arsenal, reducing their reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creative hub.
Stanway’s ability to thread balls into dangerous areas created several chances for Arsenal against Crystal Palace, although Alessia Russo was uncharacteristically wasteful with them. Nevertheless, the supply line that Stanway provides ensures Arsenal will rarely be left without a clear pathway to goal. Overall, the early weeks of the season have highlighted a stark contrast between clubs that are thriving and those that are floundering.
Manchester United’s rapid descent underscores the importance of strategic investment, clear backing for managerial staff, and a squad built to compete at the highest level. Chelsea’s dominant performance reaffirms their status as a powerhouse, while Arsenal’s emerging midfield talent points to a promising future. As the season progresses, United must decide whether to double down on youth development or to inject experienced talent to halt the slide.
The decisions made in the coming weeks will likely determine whether the club can climb out of the relegation zone or continue its downward trajectory. For fans and neutrals alike, the drama of the WSL remains compelling. Whether it’s a battle for survival, a chase for silverware, or the emergence of new stars, the league continues to deliver excitement, narrative depth, and moments that will shape the future of women’s football in England. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
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