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The Red Devils delivered what many are calling a "statement" performance against defending champions Chelsea, though they were feeling wanting for more than the solitary point secured from the encounter.

United successfully end Chelsea's perfect beginning to the new season as Anna Sandberg's superb strike cancelled out the Chelsea player's brilliant opener.

This result marked a important achievement for the Red Devils, who had before this lost in 10 and tied just one of their previous 11 league encounters with Chelsea.

However, manager Marc Skinner expressed "disappointment" that his side came away with only a draw rather than all three points as they extended their undefeated run to five games.

Throughout the game, United's midfielder wasted chances on both sides of the halftime, while Jess Park could have done better with a lofted attempt before coming close with a dipping volley.

Ex- England midfielder Fara Williams commented: "I felt like Manchester United will probably be kicking themselves. They generated numerous quality chances and perhaps with improved finishing in the final third, they could have come out on top."

Nevertheless, United could have just as readily walked away with no points from the match.

Shot-stopper Phallon Tullis-Joyce produced a excellent second-half save to prevent Chelsea's Keira Walsh, while both defenders Maya Le Tissier and Sandberg made crucial blocks during the closing stages to keep the Blues from scoring.

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

Result Shows Progress of Growing Manchester United

The major question at the beginning of this season - identical that's been posed over the previous six WSL campaigns - is whether anyone can end Chelsea's dominance.

Chelsea secured last season's trophy by remaining 22 games without defeat in Sonia Bompastor's first season as manager - part of a three trophies as they won the Women's FA Cup and League Cup too.

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

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

The manager commented: "We're building. You can see it, you can feel it. We are frustrated to not win the game. The chances we created, few teams could produce that against Chelsea. So for us to do that and in the way we accomplished it was praise to them [the players]."

After their elevation from the Women's Championship in the 2018-19 season, United have quickly emerged as WSL title challengers, finishing just 2 points behind Chelsea in the 2022-23 season.

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

While a draw against the present league frontrunners may be deemed a chance not taken for United, former England striker White thought it demonstrated how far the team has progressed.

She noted: "You have to look at that consistency. They've played 11 times against Chelsea to date and only drawn once, now the second, so I think it's really positive for their consistency and what they're doing as a club and a squad. It proves it's effective and they're getting better."

Asked if Skinner deserved more credit for United's ascent to compete with more established clubs, White added: "The work he's accomplished with these players, the philosophy, the DNA, how determined they are. He does not have the amount of money or been able to spend the sum of money the such teams of Chelsea, Arsenal or [Manchester] City have achieved."

How Will This Affect the Championship Battle?

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

However Skinner stated his team's display at the Progress With Unity Stadium - where Chelsea secured last season's title - demonstrated the Blues won't have it so straightforward this time around.

He added: "This proves to Chelsea they're not simply going to run away with the league. We need to make sure everyone is putting a contest. I think the league is getting better and you saw the quality, that we are advancing as well."

Blues boss Bompastor was "displeased" with Chelsea's display, but stated a tie was "a decent result at Manchester United".

Asked if United were title contenders, she added: "There are many teams being genuine competition for us, every game presents a different challenge. You have to be prepared for every game."

Manchester City, who lost to Chelsea in the season opener, could close the difference on the frontrunners to one point if they defeat Arsenal at home on Saturday.

Last season's second-place Arsenal, meanwhile, have ground to recover after losing points against each of United and Aston Villa, and boss Renee Slegers will be targeting the Gunners' home game against Chelsea on November 8th as a way to get themselves into the race.