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Manchester United v Chelsea WSL
The performance was a definitive statement, yet Manchester United found themselves wanting more than just a point against the reigning Women’s Super League champions.
United brought Chelsea’s flawless start to the season to an end, with Anna Sandberg’s stunning volley answering Wieke Kaptein’s equally impressive opening goal.
The result marks a significant moment for the Red Devils, who had previously suffered 10 defeats and secured only one draw in their 11 league encounters with the Blues.
However, manager Marc Skinner expressed “disappointment” that United only managed to secure a single point, despite extending their unbeaten streak to five games.
Ella Toone missed opportunities on either side of halftime, and Jess Park was unable to capitalize on a chipped shot, before nearly scoring with a dipping volley.
“I think Manchester United will likely feel they could have taken more from the game,” former England midfielder Fara Williams commented on BBC Three.
“They generated numerous quality chances, and with a bit more composure in the final third, they might have emerged victorious.”
Conversely, United could have easily left the match empty-handed.
Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made a crucial late save to deny Chelsea’s Keira Walsh, while defenders Maya Le Tissier and Sandberg made vital blocks in the closing stages to thwart the Blues.
“They are the first team to take points off Chelsea this season,” added former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis on BBC Three.
“If Manchester United needed to make a statement to their own club and reinforce their ambitions, they’ve certainly done that.”
Man Utd end Chelsea’s 100% record in thrilling draw
Midfielder Jess Park stated that “it’s really coming together” for United this season.
The central question at the start of this season – a question that has persisted throughout the last six WSL campaigns – is whether any team can disrupt Chelsea’s dominance.
The Blues secured last season’s trophy with a 22-game unbeaten run under Sonia Bompastor’s leadership, completing a domestic treble by also claiming the Women’s FA Cup and League Cup.
In fact, over 500 days have passed since Chelsea last suffered a league defeat – a 4-3 loss to Liverpool on May 1, 2024.
Manchester United came close to ending that streak on Friday night in a clash between the top two teams, and Skinner expressed his pride in “the most brave performance” from his players.
“We’re building. You can see it, you can sense it,” he said.
“We are disappointed to not win the game. The chances we created, not many teams could create that against Chelsea. So for us to do that and in the way we did it was credit to them [the players].”
Since their promotion from the Women’s Championship in 2019, United have rapidly emerged as WSL title contenders, finishing just two points behind Chelsea in 2022-23.
The following season they won the FA Cup – their first major women’s trophy.
While a draw against the current league leaders might be seen as a missed opportunity for United, former England striker White believes it underscores the club’s progress.
“You have to look at that consistency,” she said. “They’ve played 11 times against Chelsea now and only drawn once, now the second time, so I think it’s really good for their consistency and what they’re doing as a club and a team.
“It shows it’s working and they’re improving.”
Asked if Skinner deserved more credit for United’s rise to compete with more established clubs, White added: “What he’s done with these players, the philosophy, the DNA, how resolute they are.
“He hasn’t got the amount of money or been able to spend the amount of money the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal or [Manchester] City have done.”
Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are the only three unbeaten teams in the league this season
While Chelsea’s perfect start has ended, they still hold the top spot with 13 points, two ahead of United.
Skinner believes his team’s performance at the Progress With Unity Stadium – where Chelsea secured last season’s title – demonstrates that the Blues will face a tougher challenge this season.
“It shows to Chelsea they’re not just going to walk the league,” he added.
“We need to make sure everyone is putting a challenge in. I think the league is getting better and you saw the quality, that we are progressing too.”
Blues boss Bompastor was “not happy” with Chelsea’s performance, but said a draw was “not a bad result at Manchester United”.
When asked if United were title challengers, she added: “I see many teams being real competition for us, every game brings a different challenge. You have to be ready for every game.”
Manchester City, who lost to Chelsea in the season opener, could reduce the gap on the leaders to one point if they defeat Arsenal at home on Saturday (12:00 BST).
Last season’s runners-up Arsenal, meanwhile, have ground to make up after dropping points against both United and Aston Villa. Manager Renee Slegers will be looking to the Gunners’ home game against Chelsea on November 8 as an opportunity to regain ground.
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