Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the headline issues emerging from the second round of Women's Super League fixtures, drawing readers closer to the pivotal narratives shaping the women's game today. Manchester United experienced a landmark period under former manager 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 inaugural European campaign and secured spots in three additional domestic cup finals. Those achievements suggested a trajectory of steady improvement and provided a solid platform on which to build. The current reality, however, could not be more different. Skinner has departed, and United now sit at the very bottom of the WSL table, possessing an inferior goal difference even to newly promoted Charlton Athletic.
After several years of measured progress, the squad appears to be sliding into a clear decline. United are enduring their longest winless streak in the league since the club’s re‑formation in 2018, having failed to secure a victory in six consecutive matches. Although the sample size of two opening defeats is small, both games exposed serious weaknesses that raise alarm bells for the newly appointed manager Eva Olid.
The early pressure on Olid’s tenure is intense after such bruising results. It would be unfair to lay the blame solely at Olid’s feet.
She inherited a group of players and systemic issues that run deeper than two poor performances. After a 5‑0 drubbing by Chelsea – a side that fielded a line‑up without a recognized striker – Olid commented, "I don’t like the heads down. Heads up and we have to continue." Her defiant stance is necessary, but it also hints at underlying doubts about the support she receives from the club hierarchy. Internally, conversations about the level of backing may already be underway.
The lack of confidence displayed on the pitch mirrors the broader uncertainty surrounding Manchester United’s commitment to its women’s programme. Criticism has already been levelled at the club for what many perceive as insufficient investment and a lack of genuine interest. United’s strategic shift toward youth development – a cheaper, long‑term model – over the acquisition of established stars this summer was cited as a key factor in Skinner’s departure, which was publicly described as a mutual separation. The 43‑year‑old manager had openly requested greater resources, a plea that appears to have been met with resistance.
If the scale of Olid’s challenge was not obvious before, it has now been laid bare in a stark fashion 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, equalling a low set by Leicester City last season, a campaign that ultimately ended in relegation. Every team undergoing a managerial change experiences a period of adjustment, and it is rarely smooth.
United’s difficulties are compounded by a historical inability to overcome Chelsea – they have failed in all fourteen attempts to defeat the Blues in the WSL, and the recent 5‑0 loss simply continues a long‑standing pattern of futility against the London giants. While such heavy defeats are rare, the fact that United have even endured a five‑goal margin underscores how fragile the foundation built by Skinner now feels. Looking ahead, United face Arsenal next Saturday on Sky Sports, a match that will test their resolve and highlight just how much work remains.
With so many areas requiring improvement, it is hard to pinpoint a starting point; perhaps the only direction is upward. Olid cannot afford to allow performances to deteriorate further. Chelsea, on the other hand, used their victory as a statement of dominance.
After facing criticism for a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, manager Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, turning a potentially complacent performance into a showcase of their collective strength. 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, delivering a display that reminded everyone of the gap between elite and ordinary teams. Lauren James once again proved to be Chelsea’s attacking fulcrum.
This week, however, she encountered formidable opposition. Midfielder Keira Walsh dictated the tempo, while Dutch internationals Sjoeke Nüsken and Wieke Kaptein won the majority of duels, adding further pressure. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, allowing James to exploit central spaces, and even centre‑back Lucy Bronze ventured forward to supply balls into the final third.
James capitalised on these opportunities, registering 19 shots across two games – a league‑leading figure – and demonstrating why she can operate as a false nine when Chelsea lack a traditional striker due to injury or form. Bompastor will need to manage James’s usage carefully, as relying on her alone is unsustainable over a long season. Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures include a clash with Arsenal and a Champions League tie against Lyon later in the month, both of which will pose far greater challenges than United’s current opposition.
Turning back to the WSL, Arsenal midfielder Maya Stanway has caught my eye in the opening weeks. Returning to the league after a stint with Bayern Munich in 2022, Stanway has evolved into a more rounded player. Her passing accuracy and vision have been evident for England, and now she is translating that quality to Arsenal. On her debut, Stanway completed 98 passes, and across the first two matchweeks she amassed 194 passes – more than any other player except Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk.
Remarkably, 91 of those passes were directed into the final third, a league‑high that creates clear scoring opportunities. Stanway’s precision eases the creative burden on Arsenal’s traditional playmaker, Mariona Caldentey, allowing the Gunners to diversify their attack.
Her four key passes in the recent win over Crystal Palace helped break the deadlock, although Alessia Russo was wasteful with the chances. Nonetheless, Stanway’s ability to supply quality balls ensures Arsenal will remain a threat in the coming weeks. In summary, Manchester United’s early-season woes highlight deeper structural issues within the club’s women’s side, from limited investment to a reliance on youth over proven talent.
Eva Olid faces a monumental task of restoring confidence, improving tactical execution, and navigating a league where powerhouses like Chelsea continue to dominate with ruthless efficiency. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s midfield renaissance, led by Maya Stanway, illustrates how individual development can lift an entire squad’s performance. The coming weeks will be crucial for United as they seek to halt their slide, and for the rest of the league as teams vie for supremacy in a fiercely competitive environment.