Manchester United must end Chelsea hoodoo to prove title credentials

Manchester United’s away record against Chelsea is poor, little wonder their trophy cabinet lacks any major silverware.

They have never beaten Emma Hayes’ team, and their away form at Kingsmeadow in all competitions sums it up: played four, lost four.

As the Women’s Super League leaders, Marc Skinner’s team are certainly giving off the impression that they have become a different team this season, that they have grown and are have become genuine contenders for a Women’s Super League title.

But if his team are to take that colossal next step and become champions, they have to end their west London hoodoo.

They must go to the home of the defending champions – where they lost 4-2 last season – and show their mettle to demonstrate their true title credentials by beating Chelsea.

Sunday’s game alone will not decide the title, far from it. Both teams still have to face third-placed Manchester City and fourth-placed Arsenal in the league, they also still have to go away to fifth-placed Aston Villa. This title race may come down to the penultimate weekend of the season with what looks like a decisive round of fixtures which includes the Manchester derby and Chelsea vs Arsenal.

United must grab the initiative – now

It is not true to say that United, mathematically, have to beat Chelsea. Nonetheless, prior to Sunday’s contest, United and Chelsea are in a situation where they know the league is in their hands; for both it is true to say that they will win the league if they win every remaining match. The moment to grab the initiative is now.

Which is why Sunday’s 12.30pm kick-off will be the truest acid test for Manchester United, who have not lost in their past 13 games in all competitions since – you guessed it – hosting Chelsea on November 6.

“This is probably the most difficult fixture in the season,” Skinner said in his pre-match press conference. “We have huge respect for them but we have to show our rebellious nature and make sure we maximise our opportunities in this game.”

Asked what he felt Chelsea’s era of three consecutive WSL titles had been down to, Skinner added: “Investment. They’ve been able to buy the best players. But I think it’s Emma [Hayes’] drive. Emma is a very driven person. Her coaching nous, her coaching experience, and the players accepting the responsibility of wearing the Chelsea shirt, and what comes with that.

“But what we have, and I’ll be very clear about this, is we have a very hungry, ambitious group.”

Not since Liverpool’s 2014 championship has a team won the WSL title without winning away at Chelsea. Chelsea’s five league titles since 2014 may have greatly impacted that statistic, but in both Manchester City and Arsenal’s title-winning campaigns of 2016 and 2019 both included decisive victories at Kingsmeadow. 

Winning at Chelsea on Sunday would be a huge statement for United, but can they take that huge step towards a first major trophy?