At the start of the season, everything looked like a fairytale for Manchester United Women. They were unbeaten in their first seven WSL games, they were in the Women’s Champions League proper for the first time ever, and momentum was firmly on their side.

Fast-forward a few weeks, and suddenly the Red Devils are battling to stop a worrying slide — with three defeats in four games knocking the confidence out of a team that once looked ready to challenge the very best.

But here’s the truth:
United’s struggles were predictable — and the club only has itself to blame.

A Bright Start Masked a Big Problem

That early-season high was impressive, no doubt. United were dealing with a crisis-level injury list, with 10 senior players unavailable before October. Marc Skinner often had only two senior outfield players on the bench, yet somehow managed to guide the team through Champions League qualifiers, secure three wins in the league phase, and remain unbeaten in the WSL.

It was admirable.
It was brave.
It was also unsustainable.

Depth? What Depth?

Their recent 3-0 demolition in the Manchester derby exposed the obvious: United simply do not have the squad depth to compete on two major fronts.

Even though City have injury concerns of their own, they still looked fresher, sharper and more prepared. The difference?
No Champions League schedule dragging them through two games a week.

It’s not just United suffering, either. Arsenal, another Champions League side, are facing similar challenges. The reality across Europe is clear:
Small squads struggle. Big squads survive. Elite squads thrive.

Barcelona can get away with using the same number of players as United because their starting XI is stacked with world-class talent. United? Not quite.

When You Can’t Train, You Can’t Improve

The problem goes beyond injuries and rotation.

As Skinner said earlier in the season:
“You can’t coach much.”

With games coming fast and recovery time eating into training sessions, there’s less time to fix tactical issues or build new patterns of play. Everything becomes reactive instead of proactive.

This isn’t noticeable when the team is winning — but the moment form dips, it becomes a mountain to climb.

United’s current rut isn’t caused by one bad performance.
It’s the result of weeks and months without the space needed to improve.

So, What Now For Man Utd Women?

The Red Devils are now seven points off the pace in the WSL and desperately need strong results in their final Champions League matches to advance.

Skinner will continue to demand more.
The players will continue to fight.
But unless United finally build a squad designed for both domestic and European battles, seasons like this will repeat themselves.

The spiral didn’t come from nowhere — it came from predictable, avoidable cracks that are now impossible to ignore.

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Aitana Bonmati’s season has hit an unexpected and painful pause, and Barcelona fans are still trying to process the news. After suffering a fractured fibula during Spain’s final training session before the Nations League second leg, the three-time Ballon d’Or winner has now undergone successful surgery — but the recovery timeline is anything but light.

Barcelona confirmed the operation on Tuesday morning, led by Dr. Antoni Dalmau and supervised by the club’s medical team. The statement was calm, professional, and quietly heartbreaking: “The expected recovery time will be around five months.”

In football terms, five months is an eternity — especially when you’re talking about one of the game’s most influential midfielders and a club fighting across multiple fronts.

Barcelona’s December Just Became A Tactical Puzzle

Bonmati’s absence alone would be tough enough, but Barcelona are now officially in midfield crisis territory. Patri Guijarro is already out with a stress fracture, leaving Jonatan Giraldez without his two most experienced midfield engines during a hyper-packed December calendar.

Barcelona must now navigate:

• league battles against Tenerife and Levante

• Champions League clashes with Benfica and Paris FC

• a Copa de la Reina tie against Alaves

All before winter break.
This is the kind of schedule that tests depth, system, and character — and Barcelona will now do it without their two midfield anchors.

Spain Feels The Earthquake Too

Spain’s Nations League title defense has taken a major blow. Bonmati played the first leg in Germany, a tense 0-0 draw where her creativity was sorely needed. Now, with the second leg approaching and memories of her Euro 2025 semi-final winner still haunting the Germans, La Roja will walk into Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium missing their sharpest blade.

Germany smell opportunity.
Spain feel the pressure.
And the entire football world watches.

A Setback, But Not The End

Bonmati is built differently. Her consistency, intelligence, and ability to rise in big moments have defined her career. A setback this big is frustrating, but it’s also temporary. Barcelona will adjust. Spain will improvise. And Bonmati will return — as fierce and elegant as ever.

For now, Barcelona must reshape, Spain must rethink, and Bonmati must recover.
The sports market will certainly feel the ripple effects.

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Chloe Kelly: From Euro Hero to Arsenal Bench

Chloe Kelly captured the nation’s attention this past summer with pivotal performances in Euro 2025. Her role in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final helped England lift their second successive European crown. Her fame even surpassed the levels achieved after her extra-time goal won Euro 2022.

Yet, back at Arsenal this season, fans hoping to see Kelly recreate that magic in the Women’s Super League have been disappointed. Across nine WSL games and four Champions League outings, only four players in the squad have logged fewer minutes than Kelly. She’s started just three matches since the season kicked off in early September, despite making her permanent move to the club after a successful loan in early 2025.

Managing a Setback

It’s been a challenging start to the season for the 27-year-old. Kelly started Arsenal’s opener against London City Lionesses but missed the next game at West Ham due to a knee issue, wearing visible strapping until early November.

Despite not being fully fit, she started in a high-profile clash against Lyon in early October but struggled to make an impact, being substituted before the hour mark. For most other appearances, she has come off the bench.

Glimpses of Brilliance

While battling fitness issues, Kelly has still delivered moments of quality. She scored against former club Manchester City in early October and impressed in the Champions League with a clever assist for Alessia Russo against Benfica and a superb cross that set up a goal against Real Madrid.

Even if limited in minutes, Kelly’s ability to influence matches remains evident when fully fit.

Back on Track

Fortunately, Kelly appears to have turned a corner with her fitness. Arsenal manager Renee Slegers confirmed that the winger is now fully fit, having missed only the West Ham game and a few training sessions.

Her recent start against Real Madrid, just her third of the season, highlighted her return to form. Kelly delivered a brilliant cross for Russo and looked sharp and confident, proving she can still be a key player for Arsenal as the season progresses.

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