Manchester United will face Chelsea this Sunday, a matchup that promises to be a high-stakes clash between two of the Women’s Super League (WSL) heavyweights. The two sides have different motivations as they prepare for their meeting: United are looking to avenge a humiliating 6-0 defeat last season, while Chelsea are riding high with a 100% record so far under new manager Sonia Bompastor. United, despite their excellent start to this season, are determined to improve upon their previous encounters with the reigning champions.
The memory of last season’s painful loss, which saw Chelsea clinch the WSL title with a dominant performance at Old Trafford, still lingers for United. That match exposed significant gaps between the two sides and ultimately left United in fifth place, far from Chelsea’s championship standard. Marc Skinner, United’s manager, acknowledges the emotional weight of that defeat but is determined to use it as fuel. “That’s a fuel and motivation, that game,” Skinner said, suggesting that while his team’s hunger may have dipped after winning the FA Cup just days earlier, the loss served as a major wake-up call. This time, he expects his players to be fully focused and present. “We’ve got to be concentrated, be physically present, mentally present for every one of these minutes. And if we can do that to the best of our ability then we can win the game,” he added.
United’s defense has been a standout feature of their season. They remain unbeaten in the league, having conceded only two goals in nine games and keeping seven clean sheets. However, they are facing a Chelsea team that has shown an unrelenting form under Bompastor, who took charge in the summer. Chelsea, currently atop the WSL, have a perfect record this season, and their defensive and attacking play has been nearly flawless. Skinner is realistic about the challenge ahead but is confident that his team can rise to the occasion. “To say it’s a must-win against a team who have not lost a game and who have played the way they have, I think it’s just a bit overreaching,” Skinner remarked, emphasizing the enormity of the task. “It’s a ‘want to win’, for sure. But this is the hardest task in probably Europe right now.”
United have never beaten Chelsea in the WSL, though they did manage to defeat them in the FA Cup semi-finals in April. Skinner believes that their unbeaten start to the season, along with a growing belief within the squad, can help them overcome their previous struggles against Chelsea. “We’re going to go into it very positively. There’s confidence. We’re going to give absolutely everything,” he said. United’s strategy will focus on winning individual duels and applying pressure, with Skinner emphasizing that sometimes the foundations of the game rather than intricate tactics are key to success.
On the other hand, Chelsea are coming into the match with a strong sense of confidence, bolstered by their flawless record. Bompastor, however, remains grounded, aware that nothing has been won yet. “Of course we are in a good run and in a good dynamic but we haven’t won anything yet that’s the reality,” she commented. The manager is well aware that United will provide tough competition, particularly with their impressive defense. She noted that Chelsea must remain focused and not be complacent, even with their superior form.
This Sunday’s match will not just be a test of skill and tactics but also of resolve and character. For Manchester United, it represents an opportunity to prove that they can challenge the champions and overcome the demons of last season. For Chelsea, it’s another step in their pursuit of a sixth consecutive title, and an opportunity to further assert their dominance in the WSL. With both teams in excellent form, the encounter is set to be a thrilling contest that will no doubt leave a lasting impression on the league.
