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Manchester United delivered what observers are calling a "statement" performance against defending title holders Chelsea, though they were feeling hoping for rather than the single point secured from the match.

Manchester United successfully halt Chelsea's perfect start to the current season as their defender's superb strike cancelled out Wieke Kaptein's exquisite opener.

The draw represented a significant achievement for United, who had previously been defeated in ten and tied just a single of their prior eleven league meetings with Chelsea.

Yet, boss Marc Skinner expressed "disappointment" that his team came away with only a draw rather than all three points as they extended their undefeated run to 5 games.

Throughout the game, Ella Toone missed chances on both sides of the interval, while teammate Jess Park should have done better with a chipped effort before narrowly missing with a powerful shot.

Former England midfielder Fara Williams stated: "In my opinion Manchester United will probably be kicking themselves. They created plenty of quality chances and perhaps with better finishing in the final third, they would have come out on top."

Nevertheless, Manchester United might have just as readily ended with nothing from the match.

Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made a superb late save to prevent Chelsea's Keira Walsh, while the defenders Maya Le Tissier and Sandberg made crucial blocks during the final minutes to prevent Chelsea at bay.

Ex- England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis added: "They're the first team to take points off Chelsea this season. If they must put out a statement to their own club and confirm what Manchester United's ambition is, they've deserved all that."

Result Shows Improvement of Developing Manchester United

This big question at the start of this season - identical that's been asked over the previous six WSL seasons - is if anyone can end Chelsea's dominance.

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

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

Manchester United narrowly missed to ending that run on Friday night in a top-two clash and Skinner was proud of "the most brave performance" from his players.

The manager commented: "We're building. You can observe it, you can feel it. We are frustrated to have not won the game. The opportunities we created, few teams could create that against Chelsea. So for us to do that and in the manner we accomplished it was credit to them [the players]."

After their promotion from the Women's Championship in 2019, United have rapidly emerged as WSL title contenders, finishing just two points behind Chelsea in 2022-23.

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

While a draw against the current league frontrunners may be deemed a chance not taken for United, ex- England striker White believed it showed how far the club has come.

The pundit noted: "One must look at that steady performance. They've played 11 times against Chelsea now and only tied once, currently the second time, so I think it's really positive for their consistency and what they're doing as a club and a team. It shows it's working and they're getting better."

Questioned if Skinner earned more recognition for United's rise to challenge with more traditional clubs, the expert added: "What he's accomplished with these individuals, the approach, the DNA, how resolute they are. He hasn't got the amount of money or been able to spend the sum of money the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal or [Manchester] City have done."

What Does This Affect the Title Race?

Chelsea's flawless beginning may have ended, but they still stay in first place on 13 points - 2 points ahead of United.

But Skinner stated his side's display at the Progress With Unity Stadium - where Chelsea clinched last season's title - demonstrated the Blues will not have it so straightforward this time around.

He added: "This proves to Chelsea they're not just going to run away with the league. We must make sure everyone is providing a contest. I think the league is getting better and you saw the standard, that we are progressing too."

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

Asked if United were title challengers, she added: "There are many teams being real competition for us, every game presents a distinct challenge. You have to be ready for each game."

Manchester City, who lost to Chelsea in the season opener, might close the difference on the leaders to a single point if they beat Arsenal at home on Saturday.

Last season's second-place Arsenal, meanwhile, have ground to recover after dropping points against both United and Aston Villa, and boss Renee Slegers will be eyeing the Gunners' home game against Chelsea on 8 November as a opportunity to get themselves back in contention.