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Manchester United produced what observers are describing as a "defining" display against defending champions Chelsea, though they were feeling wanting for rather than the solitary point secured from the encounter.

United successfully halt Chelsea's 100% beginning to the new campaign as Anna Sandberg's sublime strike equalized Wieke Kaptein's exquisite opener.

This result marked a significant outcome for the Red Devils, who had previously been defeated in 10 and drawn just one of their previous eleven league meetings with the Blues.

However, boss Marc Skinner expressed "disappointment" that his side secured only a draw rather than maximum points as they continued their unbeaten run to five games.

Throughout the match, United's midfielder wasted opportunities on both sides of the halftime, while teammate Jess Park should have converted with a lofted attempt before narrowly missing with a powerful shot.

Former England midfielder Fara Williams stated: "I felt like Manchester United will probably be regretting missed opportunities. They generated numerous good chances and perhaps with improved finishing in the attacking area, they would have secured victory."

However, Manchester United could have just as readily ended with no points from the match.

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

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

Draw Shows Improvement of Growing Manchester United

The big inquiry at the start of the current season - the same one that's been asked over the last six WSL campaigns - is if anyone can end Chelsea's supremacy.

The Blues won last season's trophy by remaining twenty-two games unbeaten in Sonia Bompastor's first season as manager - contributing to a domestic treble as they won the Women's FA Cup and League Cup too.

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

Manchester United narrowly missed to ending that streak on Friday night in a leading teams clash and Skinner was proud of "the most brave performance" from his players.

Skinner stated: "We are building. You can observe it, you can sense it. We are disappointed to have not won the game. The opportunities we created, not many teams could create that against Chelsea. So for us to do that and in the manner we accomplished it was praise to them [the players]."

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

The next season they claimed the FA Cup - their inaugural major women's trophy.

While a draw against the current league leaders may be deemed a missed opportunity for United, ex- England striker White believed it demonstrated how far the team has progressed.

She remarked: "One must look at that steady performance. They've played eleven times against Chelsea now and only tied once, currently the second time, so I think it's truly good for their reliability and what they're doing as a organization and a team. It shows it's effective and they're improving."

Questioned if Skinner deserved more credit for United's rise to challenge with more traditional clubs, the expert continued: "What he's done with these individuals, the approach, the DNA, how determined they are. He does not have the amount of money or been able to spend the sum of money the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal or [Manchester] City have achieved."

What Will This Impact the Championship Battle?

The Blues' perfect beginning may have concluded, but they nonetheless stay top on 13 points - 2 points clear of United.

But Skinner said his team's performance at the Progress With Unity Stadium - where Chelsea secured last season's title - proved the Blues won't have it so straightforward this time around.

He added: "It shows to Chelsea they're not just going to run away with the league. We need to make sure everyone is providing a contest. I think the league is improving and you witnessed the standard, that we are advancing as well."

Chelsea manager Bompastor was "not happy" with Chelsea's display, but said a tie was "not a bad result at Manchester United".

Questioned if United were title challengers, she responded: "I see many teams being real competition for us, every game presents a different challenge. You must be prepared for each game."

Manchester City, who were defeated to Chelsea in the season opener, could reduce the difference on the leaders to a single point if they beat Arsenal at home on the weekend.

Last season's second-place Arsenal, meanwhile, have ground to make up after losing points against each of United and Aston Villa, and manager Renee Slegers will be targeting the Gunners' home game against Chelsea on 8 November as a opportunity to get themselves back in contention.