Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter breaks down the most pressing issues emerging from the second round of Women's Super League fixtures, giving readers an in‑depth look at the narratives shaping the women's game. Manchester United experienced a watershed 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 domestic cup finals.
Those achievements suggested a club on an upward trajectory, a solid foundation to build upon. Fast forward to the present, and the picture is starkly different. Skinner has departed, and United now sit at the very bottom of the WSL table, sporting a goal‑difference that is worse than that of newly promoted Charlton Athletic. After years of incremental progress, the side appears to be in clear decline.
United are currently enduring their longest winless streak in the league since the women's team was re‑established in 2018 – six matches without a victory. Their opening two defeats, while a small sample size, have already exposed serious weaknesses. Both losses have placed immediate pressure on new head coach Eva Olid, who is still in the early stages of her tenure.
It would be unfair to blame Olid entirely for United’s predicament. She inherited a squad that was already struggling, and the issues run deeper than two poor results. 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 turn things around, but it also raises questions about the level of backing she receives from the club hierarchy. Internally, there may already be conversations about resources, recruitment strategy, and long‑term vision. The lack of confidence on the pitch mirrors a broader sense of hesitancy surrounding United’s women’s programme. Critics have long highlighted the club’s limited investment and apparent disinterest.
This summer, United chose to emphasise youth development – a cheaper model – rather than splurging on established stars. That strategic shift was a key 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 support, pleas that seemingly fell on deaf ears. Olid’s challenge has become brutally clear after just two games.
United have matched the record for the fewest shots taken by a non‑newly‑promoted side over their opening two fixtures, a dubious distinction they share with Leicester City, who were relegated last season. While any team needs an adjustment period under a new manager, United’s situation is compounded by a historic inability to beat Chelsea – they have failed in 14 attempts – and now they have suffered a heavy defeat. Looking ahead, United face Arsenal next Saturday on Sky Sports. The gap between the two clubs is wide, and United will need to improve on multiple fronts – defensive organisation, attacking creativity, and mental resilience – before they can realistically compete.
The only direction left is upward, but the climb will be steep. Chelsea, on the other hand, used their victory as a statement of intent. After being criticised for a 1‑1 draw with Aston Villa, Sonia Bompastor’s side responded emphatically, delivering a dominant performance that underscored 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, reinforcing the gulf between the league’s elite and the rest. Lauren James once again proved why she is Chelsea’s attacking talisman.
Though Chelsea faced a well‑organised United defence, James benefited from the fluid play of midfielders like Keira Walsh and the physical presence of Sjoeke Nusken and Wieke Kaptein, who dominated duels. Full‑backs Katie McCabe and Ellie Carpenter provided width, while centre‑back Lucy Bronze contributed forward passes that opened space for James. The English forward amassed 19 shots across two games – a league‑high – and demonstrated why she can function as a false nine when Chelsea lack a traditional striker. Chelsea’s schedule remains demanding, with upcoming clashes against Arsenal and Lyon in the Champions League.
Both opponents will pose far greater challenges than United, testing Bompastor’s tactical flexibility and squad depth. Among the standout performers this early in the season is Arsenal’s midfielder Bethany Stanway.
Returning to the WSL after a stint with Bayern Munich, Stanway displayed a markedly evolved range of passing. In her debut, she completed 98 passes, and over the first two matchweeks she amassed 194 passes, 91 of which were into the final third – the highest total in the league.
Only Liverpool centre‑back Grace Fisk has recorded more passes overall, but Stanway’s vision and accuracy have already expanded Arsenal’s attacking options, reducing the reliance on Mariona Caldentey as the sole creator. Stanway’s ability to thread balls into dangerous areas created numerous chances for Arsenal, even though Alessia Russo was wasteful in front of goal. The Gunners now possess a more diversified supply line, which should help them break down stubborn defences like Crystal Palace’s, who they faced over the weekend.
In summary, Manchester United’s early-season woes highlight deeper structural issues within the club’s women’s programme, from investment shortfalls to strategic missteps in recruitment. Eva Olid inherits a squad lacking confidence and battling a steep learning curve, and she will need robust backing to reverse the slide. Meanwhile, Chelsea continues to assert its dominance, using heavy defeats as a platform to showcase depth and ambition. Arsenal, bolstered by the return of Bethany Stanway, appears poised to add a new creative dimension to its play.
The season is still young, but the narratives are already clear: United must rebuild from the ground up, Chelsea will look to cement its status as the league’s benchmark, and Arsenal’s evolving midfield could make them a genuine contender for the title. Fans can stay engaged by following the matches, supporting their clubs, and perhaps trying their luck in the Super 6 competition for a chance at a £1 million prize.