Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the most pressing 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 pivotal moment under former manager Marc Skinner. After clinching their first major trophy in 2024, Skinner guided the team to the quarter‑finals of the Champions League in their maiden European campaign and secured spots in three additional domestic cup finals.
Those achievements suggested a club on an upward trajectory, a platform from which to continue building. The reality now looks starkly different.
Skinner has departed, and United find themselves anchored at the bottom of the Women's Super League table, sporting an even poorer goal difference than newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After years of gradual progress, the side appears to be sliding back into a period of decline. United are currently enduring their longest winless streak in league play since the team was re‑established in 2018 – six matches without a victory. Although the sample size of two opening defeats is small, both games have exposed serious weaknesses that raise alarms for the club.
The two heavy losses have placed immediate and intense pressure on new head coach Eva Olid, who is only just beginning her tenure. It would be unfair to lay the entire blame for United's predicament at Olid's feet. She inherited a squad already beset by deeper structural problems.
After a 5‑0 drubbing by Chelsea – a side that fielded a line‑up without a recognized striker – Olid remarked, "I don't like the heads down. Heads up and we have to continue." Her call for optimism reflects the need for a cultural shift as much as tactical adjustments.
Olid must now adopt a defiant stance, 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 are likely already underway. The lack of confidence displayed on the pitch seems to echo a broader hesitancy within the organization regarding its women's programme. Criticism over Manchester United's investment – or perceived lack thereof – in the women's side has been a recurring theme.
The club’s decision to focus on youth development, a cost‑effective strategy, rather than splurging on established stars this summer, 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 greater tools and authority to shape the squad, pleas that were apparently met with resistance. If the challenges facing Olid were not crystal clear before, they have now been laid bare in a stark manner after just two games. United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly promoted team across their opening two fixtures, a dubious distinction they share with Leicester City, who were relegated after a similar performance last season.
Every team undergoing a managerial change experiences a period of adaptation, and it is rarely smooth. United’s woes are compounded by a historical inability to overcome Chelsea in the league – they have failed in 14 attempts to secure a win against the Blues. The latest 5‑0 defeat is simply another chapter in a long‑standing pattern of dominance by Chelsea over United.
Even more unsettling is the margin of loss. United rarely succumb to such a heavy defeat, indicating that the solid foundation Skinner built is now visibly shaky.
The upcoming clash with Arsenal, broadcast live on Sky Sports next Saturday, will be a litmus test for how quickly the team can arrest its slide. The task ahead is massive, and it may feel like the only direction is upward.
Olid cannot afford to let performances deteriorate further. The pressure to reverse the trend is mounting, and the club’s leadership will be watching closely.
Chelsea, on the other hand, used their victory as a statement of intent. After facing criticism for a lackluster 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically. "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," Bompastor explained, underscoring the philosophy that dominance should be demonstrated on the scoreboard. Chelsea showed no mercy, delivering a performance that highlighted the gulf between elite and ordinary teams.
Lauren James continued to be a focal point for the Blues, but this week she was matched by the brilliance of opponents. Keira Walsh orchestrated play, while Sjoeke Nüsken and Wieke Kaptein dominated the midfield battles, each topping duel counts. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width and relentless runs, creating space for James to exploit central areas.
Even centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed by advancing the ball into the final third. James, however, was the player who ultimately capitalised, registering 19 shots across two games – the highest in the league – and proving her value as a versatile false‑9 when Chelsea lack a traditional striker due to injury or form.
Bompastor will need to manage James wisely, using her as a game‑changing option without over‑relying on her each week. The upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and then Lyon in the Champions League will present far stiffer challenges than United, testing Chelsea’s depth and tactical flexibility. Turning back to the league, Arsenal’s midfield dynamo, Freya Stanway, has attracted attention in the opening weeks. Returning to the WSL after a stint with Bayern Munich, Stanway’s development has been evident.
She completed 98 passes in her debut for Arsenal, and across the first two matchweeks amassed 194 passes – only Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk has surpassed that tally, with 91 of Stanway’s passes directed into the final third, a league‑leading figure. Such precision in distribution opens new avenues for Arsenal, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creative hub. Stanway’s vision and range have already generated several clear‑cut chances, including four opportunities that could have broken the deadlock against Crystal Palace, though Alessia Russo was uncharacteristically wasteful. The emergence of a player like Stanway illustrates how strategic recruitment and player development can reshape a team’s attacking blueprint.
Arsenal’s ability to diversify its creative sources will be crucial as they navigate a congested schedule that includes domestic and European commitments. In summary, Manchester United’s early season struggles highlight a confluence of managerial transition, inadequate resources, and lingering confidence issues. Eva Olid faces a daunting task: to rebuild morale, tighten defensive frailties, and inject attacking intent before the club’s reputation suffers further damage. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s emphatic win serves as a reminder of the standards expected at the top of the Women’s Super League, and Arsenal’s midfield renaissance offers a glimpse of how tactical evolution can yield tangible benefits.
The next few weeks will be decisive for all involved, and fans can expect a compelling narrative to unfold across the league, the Champions League, and beyond.