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The Red Devils produced what many are calling a "statement" display against reigning champions Chelsea, though the team were left wanting for rather than the solitary point earned from the match.

Manchester United managed to halt Chelsea's 100% start to the new season as their defender's superb volley cancelled out the Chelsea player's brilliant first goal.

This result marked a significant outcome for the Red Devils, who had previously lost in 10 and drawn just one of their prior eleven league encounters with the Blues.

Yet, manager Marc Skinner expressed "frustration" that his team came away with only a draw rather than all three points as they extended their undefeated streak to five games.

During the game, United's midfielder wasted opportunities on both sides of the interval, while Jess Park could have done better with a lofted attempt before coming close with a powerful shot.

Ex- England player Fara Williams stated: "In my opinion Manchester United might be regretting missed opportunities. They created numerous quality chances and maybe with improved finishing in the final third, they could have come out on top."

However, United could have just as readily walked away with no points 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 closing stages to prevent the Blues at bay.

Ex- England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis remarked: "They're the initial team to take points off Chelsea this season. If they must issue a message to their own club and reaffirm what Manchester United's ambition is, they've earned all that."

Result Demonstrates Improvement of Developing Manchester United

The big question at the beginning of this season - the same one that's been asked over the last six WSL campaigns - is if any team can stop Chelsea's dominance.

The Blues won last season's trophy by remaining twenty-two games unbeaten in Sonia Bompastor's debut season at the helm - part of a three trophies as they won the Women's FA Cup and League Cup too.

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

Manchester United narrowly missed to halting that run on Friday night in a leading teams clash and Skinner was impressed of "an extremely brave performance" from his squad.

Skinner stated: "We're building. You can see it, you can sense it. We are disappointed to not win the game. The opportunities we created, not many teams could produce that against Chelsea. So for us to achieve that and in the way we accomplished it was praise to them [the players]."

Since their promotion from the Women's Championship in 2019, United have rapidly developed as WSL title challengers, finishing just 2 points behind Chelsea in the 2022-23 season.

The following season they claimed the FA Cup - their first major women's honor.

Although a draw against the present league leaders may be deemed a chance not taken for United, ex- England striker the analyst believed it showed how far the club has progressed.

She noted: "You have to look at that steady performance. They've played 11 times against Chelsea to date and only tied one time, now the second time, so I think it's really positive for their reliability and what they're achieving as a club and a team. It shows it's effective and they're getting better."

Questioned if Skinner earned more credit for United's rise to compete with more established clubs, White continued: "What he's done with these players, the philosophy, the DNA, how resolute they are. He hasn't got the quantity of money or managed to spend the amount of money the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal or [Manchester] City have done."

How Does This Affect the Championship Battle?

Chelsea's perfect start may have concluded, but they still remain in first place on 13 points - two points clear of United.

However Skinner stated his side's performance at the Progress With Unity Stadium - where Chelsea secured last season's title - demonstrated the Blues will not have it quite as easy this season.

He commented: "This proves to Chelsea they're not simply going to walk the league. We need to ensure everyone is putting a contest. I think the league is improving and you witnessed the standard, that we are progressing as well."

Chelsea boss Bompastor was "displeased" with Chelsea's performance, but stated a tie was "a decent 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 distinct challenge. You must be prepared for every game."

City, who were defeated to Chelsea in the first match, could reduce the difference on the leaders to one point if they beat Arsenal at home on Saturday.

The previous season's runners-up Arsenal, meanwhile, have work to make up after losing points against both United and Aston Villa, and manager Renee Slegers will be targeting the Gunners' home game against Chelsea on November 8th as a opportunity to get themselves back in the race.