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Manchester United produced what observers are calling a "defining" display against reigning champions Chelsea, though the team were left wanting for more than the single point earned from the encounter.

United successfully end Chelsea's perfect beginning to the current season as Anna Sandberg's sublime strike cancelled out Wieke Kaptein's brilliant first goal.

This result represented a significant outcome for United, who had previously lost in 10 and tied just one of their prior eleven league encounters with the Blues.

However, boss Marc Skinner expressed "frustration" that his team came away with only a draw rather than maximum points as they extended their unbeaten streak to five games.

During the game, United's midfielder missed chances on either side of the halftime, while Jess Park could have done better with a lofted attempt before coming close with a dipping volley.

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

Nevertheless, United could have just as easily walked away with nothing from the match.

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

Former England shot-stopper Rachel Brown-Finnis added: "United are the first team to prevent Chelsea from winning against Chelsea this season. If they must put out a message to their organization and confirm what Manchester United's ambition is, they've earned all that."

Result Shows Improvement of Developing Manchester United

The big question at the beginning of this season - identical that's been posed over the last six WSL seasons - is whether anyone can stop Chelsea's dominance.

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

In fact, it's been over five hundred days since Chelsea last lost a league game - a four-three loss at Liverpool on May 1st, 2024.

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

Skinner commented: "We're building. You can see it, you can sense it. We are disappointed to not win the game. The chances we generated, few teams could produce that against Chelsea. So for us to do that and in the manner we accomplished it was credit to them [the players]."

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

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

Although a draw against the current league frontrunners may be considered a chance not taken for United, former England striker White thought it demonstrated how far the club has come.

The pundit remarked: "You have to look at that consistency. They've played eleven times against Chelsea to date and only tied once, currently the second, so I think it's really positive for their reliability and what they're doing as a club and a team. It proves it's effective and they're getting better."

Asked if Skinner earned more credit for United's ascent to challenge with more traditional clubs, White added: "The work he's done with these individuals, the philosophy, the DNA, how resolute they are. He does not have the quantity of money or managed to spend the sum of money the such teams of Chelsea, Arsenal or [Manchester] City have achieved."

How Will This Impact the Championship Battle?

The Blues' perfect beginning may have concluded, but they still remain in first place on thirteen points - 2 points clear of United.

However Skinner said his team's display at the Progress With Unity Stadium - where Chelsea clinched last season's title - demonstrated the Blues will not have it quite as easy this season.

The manager added: "It shows to Chelsea they're not simply going to run away with the league. We must make sure everyone is providing a challenge. I think the league is improving and you witnessed the quality, that we are advancing as well."

Blues boss Bompastor was "displeased" with Chelsea's performance, but stated a tie was "not a bad result at Manchester United".

Asked if United were title contenders, she added: "I see many teams being genuine competition for us, every game presents a different challenge. You have to be prepared for each game."

City, who lost to Chelsea in the season opener, could close the gap on the leaders to one point if they defeat Arsenal at home on Saturday.

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