Manchester United’s Anna Sandberg produced a brilliant equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Women’s Super League (WSL), halting the champions’ perfect start to the season.
Chelsea, who have dominated the WSL with six consecutive titles, opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Catarina Macario’s clever backheel found Wieke Kaptein for an easy tap-in.
United responded swiftly, with Swedish defender Sandberg unleashing a powerful first-time shot from outside the box after being set up by Ella Toone. The strike marked Sandberg’s first goal for the club since joining from BK Häcken in 2024.
In challenging, windy conditions, both sides created several chances but couldn’t find a winner. The result leaves Chelsea still top of the table with 13 points from five games, just two points ahead of United in second place.
Sam Kerr made her return to action in the 77th minute as manager Sonia Bompastor continues to ease the Australian star back after her long recovery from an ACL injury.
Tensions rose late in the match when Bompastor received a yellow card for protesting a decision, but she admitted afterward that a draw was probably fair.
“I wouldn’t say it was satisfying, but it’s a tough place to come,” Bompastor said.
“We pushed hard for the winner in the final half hour, and the substitutes added good energy. But in the end, 1-1 might have been the right result.”
Chelsea remain league leaders on 13 points, while Manchester United trail closely with 11.
