Defeat at Stamford Bridge leaves United 10 points off the top of the table as they were put to the sword by Lauren James' hat-trick
Manchester United's slim hopes of challenging for the Women's Super League title in the second half of the season have likely already been extinguished after Marc Skinner's side suffered a 3-1 defeat at leaders Chelsea that leaves them 10 points adrift of the Blues.
In their first league game since the winter break, United made a slow start, and were 2-0 down inside the opening quarter of the game after Lauren James netted twice; first with a deflected effort from a tight angle before running onto a long ball over the top to score her second.
United did eventually spark themselves into life, and after Geyse and Lucia Garcia forced Hannah Hampton into saves, Hayley Ladd pulled one back shortly before half-time after Ashley Lawrence blocked Garcia's effort.
The visitors' resurgence continued into the second half as Ella Toone, Garcia and Ladd all came close to equalising, before James settled matters with her third of the afternoon against her former club, leaving Skinner with more questions to answer as calls for him to be sacked grow louder.
GOAL rates United's players from Stamford Bridge…
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Mary Earps (5/10):
Will be disappointed with both first-half goals, especially James' second as the England No.1 was beaten at her near post. Made a couple of decent stops after the break, but had no chance with James' third.
Jayde Riviere (3/10):
Could not cope with Reiten and Charles attacking down her flank, especially in the first half. When she did get forward herself, the full-back's final ball was lacking.
Maya Le Tissier (5/10):
A largely composed presence at the heart of the United backline. Handled Fishel particularly well, but caught out by Nusken's flick for James' third.
Millie Turner (5/10):
Made a couple of important interventions but deflection proved costly for James' first. Got better as the game wore on.
Hannah Blundell (3/10):
Chelsea looked to attack Blundell's flank throughout the first half, and she struggled to deal with all the pressure. Failed to track James' run for the second goal, while her passing and crossing was also sub-standard.
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Hayley Ladd (5/10):
Saw large parts of the game pass her by, but did get on the scoresheet after reacting well inside the box shortly before half-time. Might feel she should have done better when Hampton saved from her after the break.
Katie Zelem (6/10):
The captain was able to calm things down after United's miserable start and looked to spark attacks from her deep-lying role.
Ella Toone (3/10):
Anonymous in the first half, in part because United barely had the ball. More threatening after the break, and should have scored when Lawrence nicked the ball off her when clean through. Needs to stand up more given her status in this team.
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Lucia Garcia (4/10):
Barely had a kick until late in the first half. Had a couple of half-chances but was unable to really threaten before being replaced for the final 20 minutes.
Geyse (6/10):
Looked lightweight early on but the Brazilian moving to the right-hand side sparked United into life. Forced Hampton into a decent save and played a key role in Ladd's strike, though she faded again after going back up front in the second period.
Leah Galton (7/10):
United's best player by some distance. Caused plenty of problems down the left and put in some testing crosses. Slightly unlucky not to win a penalty in the final 15 minutes, which would have been just reward for a fine display.
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Nikita Parris (5/10):
Only real action of note was to pick up a booking shortly after coming on.
Lisa Naalsund (6/10):
Showed some nice touches in midfield after replacing Ladd for the final 20 minutes.
Rachel Williams (N/A):
Unable to have any impact after coming on for the final 10 minutes.
Gemma Evans (N/A):
On for Blundell in stoppage-time.
Player (N/A):
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Marc Skinner (4/10):
His team coming out of the blocks so slowly must be pinned on Skinner, and though he made some tactical tweaks that led to United fighting their way back into the game, questions will remain regarding his suitability for the role going forward.