Back where they belong: takeaways from Chelsea’s win over United

Lauren James is Manchester United’s worst nightmare

Just over a year ago in July, James put pen to paper on a contract that signed her up for four years back at Chelsea. Although the fee was worth about £200,000 including bonuses, which was a WSL record at the time, it is difficult to see how the club profited from a deal after seeing their former player slide in the corner, and show her love for the Blues. James led Manchester United to promotion, netting 14 goals in 18 appearances in the Championship, and scored the first goal in the WSL for the Red Devils at just 19 years old.

A whole lot of the decision had to have been on James’ end to move back to her home club, but after former United manager, Casey Stoney called the London-born player “one of the most technically brilliant” players in the women’s game, brings into question why the Red Devils did not attempt to secure a generation talent like James down on a long-term contract. That second goal in Manchester on Sunday evening was a dagger in United fans’ hearts, as they realized they could have been their player the entire time. Even though the first season with the Blues was not one to remember, CFC stayed patient, and at the end of the day is making their league rivals look levels below them with the world-class quality James is displaying on the right flank for Chelsea this season.