The Women's Super League has experienced a whirlwind of transfer activity this summer, yet Manchester United have been notably absent from the spotlight. The arrival of global icons like two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, NWSL star Manaka Matsukubo, and the return of England internationals Georgia Stanway and Mary Earps have dominated headlines. Beth Mead and Niamh Charles have also changed clubs. However, none of these headline-grabbing moves have involved the Red Devils.

United endured a mixed campaign last season. On one hand, they reached another cup final, just their third since the women’s team was re-established in 2018, and made a memorable run to the Champions League quarter-finals in their debut appearance. On the other, a fourth-place finish in the WSL left them nine points short of the top three and without European football for the upcoming season.

Given the dominance of Manchester City — who broke a 10-year wait to reclaim the WSL title and added the FA Cup to their trophy cabinet — and the continued strength of Arsenal and Chelsea, United face an uphill climb. Arsenal, just a year removed from Champions League glory, and Chelsea, who still lifted the League Cup despite their least impressive campaign in seven years, continue to set the benchmark. United have proven capable of beating these sides, but consistency remains elusive.

While Arsenal have dazzled with their transfer business, City have quietly strengthened their title-winning squad, and Chelsea are closing in on a solution to their striker dilemma, United’s lack of activity is becoming a growing concern. Meanwhile, mid-table teams such as London City Lionesses have shown real ambition in the market.

United’s situation is emblematic of a club stuck on the verge of joining the elite. Their recent achievements — including a Champions League qualification, three cup finals, and an FA Cup triumph — demonstrate progress since reforming eight years ago. However, the structural gap between them and the league’s perennial powerhouses remains wide, and bridging it requires more than incremental improvement.

The need for both on-field and off-field progress is pressing. Squad depth, in particular, has been a persistent weakness, especially when competing in multiple competitions. Last season’s lack of reinforcements left Marc Skinner’s team stretched thin. Although the club’s recruitment record isn’t poor — Julia Zigiotti Olme and Jess Park proved valuable additions last year — making just three signings was never going to be sufficient for a team fighting on four fronts.

So far, nothing in this summer’s transfer window indicates a change of pace from United, while their rivals continue to strengthen. City, despite promising a quiet window, have secured Beth Mead and Niamh Charles, reinforcing key positions, and managed to keep hold of star striker Khadija Shaw by extending her contract. Arsenal have been aggressive, announcing the signings of Stanway, Ona Batlle, Selina Cerci, Geraldine Reuteler, and Lisa Baum, while continuing their pursuit of Barcelona free agent Salma Paralluelo. Chelsea, despite initial setbacks in their striker search, have snapped up Katie McCabe and Matsukubo, and could soon land Paris Saint-Germain’s Romee Leuchter.

By contrast, United’s only confirmed addition so far is Andrea Medina, a promising 22-year-old defender capable of playing both centrally and at left-back — a strong signing, but hardly enough to transform the squad. Instead, transfer rumours around United have largely centred on potential exits. Reports suggest Melvine Malard is close to joining Chelsea, while Millie Turner has completed a move to Birmingham and Lisa Naalsund appears set to follow.

Further uncertainty surrounds top-scorer Elisabeth Terland, who could be sold this summer to avoid losing her on a free when her contract expires next year. The Norwegian forward rejected a new deal last November, and her future remains unresolved. England international Ella Toone, also out of contract next year, admitted last month that she is still weighing her options, saying, “Obviously it’s now time to talk. I just know I have got to make a decision on what’s best for me.”

The Red Devils must also be wary of the teams below them. London City Lionesses, backed by billionaire Michele Kang — who also owns Washington Spirit and Lyon — have made a sensational statement by signing Putellas, Mapi Leon, Earps, and Kadidiatou Diani. Tottenham, who finished just four points behind United last season, have already added five new players, including prolific scorer Shekiera Martinez, WSL standout Kirsty Hanson, and goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen. Brighton, too, have strengthened, adding former Arsenal midfielder Lia Walti after reaching the FA Cup final.

Last summer, as transfer spending surged, Marc Skinner admitted that United could not compete with the seven-figure fees spent by Arsenal and London City. “The reality is we have to try and find our own way to do it,” he said. While United did make some shrewd moves, the lack of volume proved costly. Without Champions League commitments this season, the club has an opportunity to focus solely on domestic success, much like City did last year en route to their WSL title. January signing Lea Schuller, who arrived from Bayern Munich with a prolific record but scored just twice in 18 appearances, is expected to play a larger role after settling in.

Nevertheless, the squad still needs major reinforcements if United are to challenge City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and the rapidly improving mid-table sides. The current transfer window represents a crucial moment for the club’s ambitions. A quiet start doesn’t necessarily spell failure, but unless United respond decisively, they risk being left behind once again in a league that is evolving faster than ever.