🔗 Share this article

The Red Devils delivered what observers are calling a "statement" performance against reigning title holders Chelsea, though the team were left wanting for rather than the single point earned from the encounter.

Manchester United successfully end Chelsea's 100% beginning to the current campaign as Anna Sandberg's sublime volley cancelled out Wieke Kaptein's brilliant opener.

The draw represented a significant achievement for United, who had before this lost in 10 and tied just one of their prior 11 league encounters with the Blues.

Yet, boss Marc Skinner voiced "frustration" that his side came away with only a draw rather than all three points as they extended their unbeaten streak to five games.

Throughout the match, Ella Toone wasted chances on either side of the halftime, while teammate Jess Park could have converted with a chipped effort before narrowly missing with a dipping volley.

Former England player Fara Williams commented: "In my opinion Manchester United might be kicking themselves. They generated numerous quality chances and perhaps with improved finishing in the attacking area, they would have come out on top."

Nevertheless, United might have just as easily ended with nothing from the fixture.

Shot-stopper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made a excellent late save to prevent Chelsea's Keira Walsh, while the defenders Maya Le Tissier and Sandberg put their bodies on the line during the closing stages to prevent Chelsea from scoring.

Ex- England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis added: "They're the first team to take points off Chelsea this season. If they need to issue a message to their own club and confirm what Manchester United's ambition is, they've earned every bit of that."

Draw Demonstrates Progress of Developing Manchester United

This major inquiry at the start of the current season - the same one that's been posed over the last six WSL seasons - is whether anyone can end Chelsea's dominance.

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

Actually, it's been more than five hundred days since Chelsea last lost a league game - a 4-3 defeat at Liverpool on 1 May, 2024.

Manchester United came close to halting that streak on Friday night in a top-two clash and Skinner was proud of "the most brave performance" from his squad.

Skinner commented: "We're building. You can observe it, you can sense it. We are disappointed to have not won the game. The chances we generated, not many teams could produce that against Chelsea. So for us to achieve that and in the manner we accomplished it was credit to them [the players]."

After their promotion from the Women's Championship in 2019, United have quickly emerged as WSL title challengers, ending up just 2 points behind Chelsea in 2022-23.

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

Although a tie against the present league leaders may be considered a chance not taken for United, ex- England striker White believed it showed how far the team has come.

The pundit noted: "You have to look at that steady performance. They've played 11 times against Chelsea to date and only drawn one time, currently the second time, so I think it's truly good for their reliability and what they're achieving as a organization and a squad. It proves it's working and they're improving."

Questioned if Skinner earned more credit for United's ascent to challenge with more established clubs, the expert continued: "The work he's accomplished with these players, the philosophy, the DNA, how determined they are. He hasn't got the quantity of money or been able to spend the amount of money the such teams of Chelsea, Arsenal or [Manchester] City have done."

How Will This Affect the Title Race?

The Blues' flawless start may have ended, but they still remain in first place on thirteen points - two points ahead of United.

But Skinner stated his side's display at the Progress With Unity Stadium - where Chelsea clinched last season's title - demonstrated the Blues won't have it quite as easy this season.

The manager added: "This proves to Chelsea they're not just going to walk the league. We need to ensure everyone is providing a challenge. I think the league is getting better and you saw the standard, that we are progressing as well."

Chelsea boss Bompastor was "displeased" with Chelsea's display, but said a tie was "not a bad result at Manchester United".

Asked if United were title challengers, she responded: "There are many teams being real competition for us, each game presents a different challenge. You have to be ready for every game."

City, who were defeated to Chelsea in the season opener, might reduce the gap on the leaders to one point if they beat Arsenal at home on Saturday.

Last season's second-place Arsenal, in the meantime, have ground to make up after losing points against both United and Aston Villa, and boss Renee Slegers will be targeting the Gunners' home game against Chelsea on 8 November as a opportunity to get themselves into contention.