🔗 Share this article

Manchester United produced what observers are describing as a "statement" performance against reigning champions Chelsea, though they were left hoping for rather than the solitary point earned from the match.

United managed to end Chelsea's perfect beginning to the current season as their defender's sublime strike equalized Wieke Kaptein's exquisite first goal.

The draw marked a important outcome for the Red Devils, who had previously been defeated in ten and tied just a single of their previous 11 league encounters with the Blues.

However, manager Marc Skinner voiced "frustration" that his side came away with only a draw rather than maximum points as they extended their unbeaten run to five games.

During the game, Ella Toone wasted opportunities on both sides of the halftime, while teammate Jess Park could have converted with a lofted attempt before narrowly missing with a powerful shot.

Former England midfielder Fara Williams commented: "In my opinion Manchester United will probably be regretting missed opportunities. They generated numerous good chances and perhaps with better composure in the final third, they could have come out on top."

Nevertheless, Manchester United could have just as readily walked away with no points from the fixture.

Shot-stopper Phallon Tullis-Joyce produced a excellent second-half save to prevent Chelsea's Keira Walsh, while both defenders Maya Le Tissier and Sandberg put their bodies on the line during the final minutes to keep Chelsea at bay.

Former England shot-stopper Rachel Brown-Finnis added: "They're the first team to prevent Chelsea from winning against Chelsea this season. If they need to issue a statement to their own club and reaffirm what Manchester United's aspiration is, they've earned every bit of that."

Result Shows Progress of Growing Manchester United

The big question at the beginning of the current season - the same one that's been asked over the last six WSL campaigns - is if anyone can stop Chelsea's supremacy.

The Blues secured last season's trophy by remaining 22 games unbeaten in Sonia Bompastor's first season as manager - part of a three trophies as they lifted the Women's FA Cup and League Cup as well.

Actually, it's been over 500 days since Chelsea previously lost a league game - a four-three loss at Liverpool on May 1st, 2024.

Manchester United came close to ending that streak on the weekend in a top-two clash and Skinner was proud of "the most brave performance" from his players.

The manager commented: "We're building. You can see it, you can feel it. We are frustrated to not win the game. The opportunities we generated, not many teams could produce that against Chelsea. So for us to do that and in the way we did it was praise to them [the players]."

After their elevation from the Women's Championship in the 2018-19 season, United have rapidly developed as WSL title contenders, ending up just 2 points behind Chelsea in the 2022-23 season.

The next season they won the FA Cup - their first major women's honor.

While a draw against the current league frontrunners may be deemed a chance not taken for United, ex- England striker White believed it demonstrated how far the club has progressed.

The pundit remarked: "One must look at that steady performance. They've played 11 times against Chelsea to date and only tied one time, currently the second time, so I think it's truly positive for their reliability and what they're achieving as a organization and a team. It proves it's effective and they're improving."

Questioned if Skinner earned more recognition for United's ascent to compete with more established clubs, the expert added: "The work he's done with these players, the philosophy, the DNA, how resolute they are. He hasn't got the amount of money or managed to spend the amount of money the such teams of Chelsea, Arsenal or [Manchester] City have done."

What Will This Impact the Title Race?

The Blues' perfect start may have ended, but they still stay top on 13 points - two points clear of United.

However Skinner stated his side's display at the Progress With Unity Stadium - where Chelsea secured last season's title - proved the Blues won't have it so straightforward this time around.

The manager commented: "It shows to Chelsea they're not simply going to walk the league. We need to make sure everyone is putting a challenge. I think the league is improving and you saw the standard, that we are progressing too."

Blues manager Bompastor was "not happy" with Chelsea's performance, but stated a tie was "not a bad result at Manchester United".

Asked if United were title challengers, she responded: "I see many teams being real competition for us, each game presents a distinct challenge. You have to be prepared for every game."

City, who lost to Chelsea in the first match, might reduce the difference on the frontrunners to a single point if they defeat Arsenal at home on Saturday.

The previous season's runners-up Arsenal, in the meantime, have work to recover after losing points against each of United and Aston Villa, and manager Renee Slegers will be targeting the Gunners' home game against Chelsea on 8 November as a way to get themselves back in contention.