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The Red Devils produced what many are describing as a "statement" display against defending title holders Chelsea, though they were feeling wanting for rather than the solitary point earned from the encounter.

Manchester United successfully end Chelsea's 100% beginning to the new campaign as Anna Sandberg's superb volley cancelled out the Chelsea player's brilliant opener.

This result represented a important outcome for the Red Devils, who had previously lost in ten and tied just a single of their prior eleven league encounters with Chelsea.

Yet, boss Marc Skinner voiced "disappointment" that his side came away with only one point rather than maximum points as they extended their unbeaten streak to 5 games.

During the match, Ella Toone wasted opportunities on both sides of the halftime, while Jess Park could have done better with a lofted attempt before narrowly missing with a dipping volley.

Former England midfielder Fara Williams stated: "I felt like Manchester United will probably be kicking themselves. They generated plenty of good chances and perhaps with improved composure in the attacking area, they would have secured victory."

However, Manchester United could have just as readily ended with nothing from the fixture.

Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made a excellent late save to deny Chelsea's Keira Walsh, while both defenders Maya Le Tissier and Sandberg made crucial blocks during the final minutes to prevent 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 put out a statement to their own club and reaffirm what Manchester United's ambition is, they've deserved every bit of that."

Result Demonstrates Improvement of Growing Manchester United

This big question at the start of the current season - identical that's been asked over the previous six WSL seasons - is whether anyone can end Chelsea's dominance.

The Blues secured last term's trophy by going twenty-two games without defeat in Sonia Bompastor's first season at the helm - contributing to a domestic treble 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 loss at Liverpool on May 1st, 2024.

Manchester United narrowly missed to halting that streak on the weekend in a leading teams clash and Skinner was proud of "an extremely brave performance" from his players.

Skinner commented: "We are building. You can observe it, you can feel it. We are disappointed to not win the game. The opportunities we generated, not many teams could produce that against Chelsea. So for us to achieve that and in the manner we accomplished it was praise to them [the players]."

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

The following season they won the FA Cup - their inaugural major women's trophy.

Although a draw against the present league leaders may be deemed a chance not taken for United, former England striker White believed it demonstrated how far the team has come.

The pundit noted: "One must look at that steady performance. They've played eleven times against Chelsea now and only drawn once, now the second, so I think it's truly good for their consistency and what they're achieving as a organization and a squad. It proves it's working and they're getting better."

Asked if Skinner earned more credit for United's ascent to challenge with more established clubs, White continued: "The work he's accomplished with these players, the approach, the DNA, how resolute they are. He does not have the quantity of money or been able to spend the sum of money the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal or [Manchester] City have done."

How Will This Affect the Championship Battle?

The Blues' flawless beginning may have concluded, but they still remain in first place on 13 points - 2 points ahead of United.

However Skinner stated his team's display at the Progress With Unity Stadium - where Chelsea secured last season's title - proved the Blues will not have it so straightforward this season.

He commented: "This proves to Chelsea they're not just going to walk the league. We must ensure everyone is putting a challenge. I think the league is improving and you saw the quality, that we are advancing too."

Blues manager Bompastor was "displeased" with Chelsea's display, but said a draw was "a decent result at Manchester United".

Asked if United were title challengers, she added: "There are many teams being genuine competition for us, every game presents a distinct challenge. You must be ready for every game."

City, who lost to Chelsea in the season opener, might reduce the difference on the leaders to a single point if they beat Arsenal at home on Saturday.

The previous season's second-place Arsenal, meanwhile, have ground to recover after dropping points against both United and Aston Villa, and manager Renee Slegers will be eyeing the Gunners' home game against Chelsea on 8 November as a way to get themselves back in the race.