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Manchester United produced what many are calling a "defining" performance against reigning title holders Chelsea, though the team were feeling wanting for rather than the solitary point earned from the match.

Manchester United managed to halt Chelsea's perfect start to the current season as Anna Sandberg's superb strike cancelled out Wieke Kaptein's exquisite first goal.

The draw marked a important achievement for United, who had previously been defeated in 10 and drawn just a single of their previous eleven league meetings with Chelsea.

However, manager Marc Skinner voiced "frustration" that his side secured only one point rather than all three points as they continued their undefeated run to five games.

Throughout the match, Ella Toone missed chances on both sides of the halftime, while teammate Jess Park could have converted with a lofted attempt before narrowly missing with a dipping volley.

Former England player Fara Williams commented: "I felt like Manchester United might be regretting missed opportunities. They generated numerous good chances and maybe with improved finishing in the attacking area, they would have secured victory."

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

Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made a excellent second-half save to prevent Chelsea's Keira Walsh, while the defenders Maya Le Tissier and Sandberg put their bodies on the line during the closing stages to keep the Blues from scoring.

Former England shot-stopper Rachel Brown-Finnis remarked: "They're the initial team to take points off Chelsea this season. If they need to issue a statement to their own club and confirm what Manchester United's ambition is, they've earned all that."

Result Demonstrates Progress of Growing Manchester United

This major inquiry at the start of the current season - identical that's been asked over the previous six WSL campaigns - is if anyone can end Chelsea's dominance.

The Blues secured last season's trophy by remaining 22 games unbeaten in Sonia Bompastor's first season at the helm - part of a domestic treble as they lifted the Women's FA Cup and League Cup as well.

In fact, it's been more than five hundred days since Chelsea last lost a league game - a 4-3 defeat at Liverpool on 1 May, 2024.

Manchester United came close to ending that streak on the weekend in a leading teams clash and Skinner was proud of "the most brave performance" from his players.

Skinner stated: "We're building. You can see it, you can sense it. We are frustrated to have not won the game. The chances we created, not many teams could produce that against Chelsea. So for us to do that and in the way we did it was praise to them [the players]."

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

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

While a draw against the present league leaders may be considered a missed opportunity for United, ex- England striker the analyst thought it demonstrated how far the club has progressed.

The pundit noted: "One must look at that consistency. They've played 11 times against Chelsea now and only drawn one time, currently the second, so I think it's truly positive for their consistency and what they're doing as a organization and a squad. It proves it's effective and they're getting better."

Questioned if Skinner deserved more recognition for United's ascent to challenge with more traditional clubs, White added: "The work he's accomplished with these players, the approach, the DNA, how determined they are. He does not have the quantity of money or managed to spend the amount of money the such teams of Chelsea, Arsenal or [Manchester] City have done."

What Does This Impact the Championship Battle?

Chelsea's flawless beginning may have ended, but they still stay in first place on 13 points - two points clear of United.

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

The manager commented: "It shows to Chelsea they're not simply going to walk the league. We must ensure everyone is putting a contest. I think the league is getting better and you saw the quality, that we are progressing as well."

Chelsea manager Bompastor was "displeased" with Chelsea's performance, but said a tie was "a decent result at Manchester United".

Questioned if United were title challengers, she added: "I see many teams being genuine competition for us, every game presents a distinct challenge. You have to be ready for each game."

City, who were defeated to Chelsea in the first match, could close the gap on the leaders to a single point if they beat Arsenal at home on Saturday.

The previous season's runners-up Arsenal, meanwhile, have work to recover after losing points against each of 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 into the race.