Those numbers are enough to tell the story of Manchester United's humiliating 5-0 defeat by Chelsea in the Women's Super League (WSL) on Sunday. A week after opening their season with a 2-1 defeat by big-spending London City Lionesses, United were completely overrun in Leigh on an afternoon that laid bare the gap between them and the WSL's elite. It is difficult to believe that this team were competing with the same opponents for a place in Europe just a few months back, ultimately finishing nine points behind the Blues in fourth place under Marc Skinner.
But two games into the season under new manager Eva Olid, United look to have fallen further behind their rivals. United have failed to win their opening two WSL games for the first time since their debut 2019-20 season, when they lost 1-0 to Arsenal and Manchester City. But the manner of this loss, watched from the stands by the club's director of football operations Ameesh Manek, will be just as concerning for Olid as the accompanying statistics.
Of United's two shots, the first was a tame attempt from Elisabeth Terland 10 minutes in while the other - coming 72 minutes later from substitute Lea Schuller - was blocked at the edge of the box. Sonia Bompastor's Chelsea, meanwhile, moved the ball with a speed and precision that United were unable to match up to. "Chelsea are a good side and we knew we had to defend," Olid said.
"When you have the ball, you need to keep it longer. Don't lose the ball and create transitions. Keep it until we find the spaces to penetrate and create chances.
"They hurt us a lot in the wide areas too. We have to be better." No WSL experience but who is new Man Utd boss Olid? Have Man Utd lost faith in their women's team?
Olid promises 'brave' Man Utd with new-look style Perhaps a poor start was to be expected after losing several key players in the summer and a move towards a sustainable model, focused on youth development. Melvine Malard, who was their most productive player last season with 19 goal involvements, was sold to Chelsea. Defender Millie Turner and midfielder Lisa Naalsund also left for promoted Birmingham City - with the trio part of the 2023-24 Women's FA Cup-winning squad.
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