New Manchester United Women manager Eva Olid is setting her sights on an attacking style of play as she prepares for her first match in the Women's Super League.
Manchester United Women are under new management, with Spanish coach Eva Olid taking the reins following Marc Skinner’s departure. The 41-year-old arrives with an impressive pedigree, having guided Hearts to their first Scottish Women’s Premier League title last season.
As United prepare to face London City Lionesses in their season opener, Olid has made it clear that she wants her team to play with boldness and an attacking mindset.
The transition hasn’t been without its challenges. A quieter Transfer Window than many fans had hoped for, combined with the departure of key players, has led to speculation about United’s chances of challenging for a top-three spot this season.
However, Olid remains undeterred, emphasizing her belief in the team’s potential to achieve the seemingly impossible.
Olid’s attacking philosophy takes center stage
Olid’s coaching philosophy centers around attacking football. She has been clear that her game plans will focus on exploiting the weaknesses of opposing teams.
‘My ambition is attacking football,’ she stated. ‘I focus the gameplans on how we can hurt the teams. All teams have weaknesses we can exploit.’
Despite an underwhelming pre-season, Olid is confident that her team can step up and deliver on Friday. She acknowledged that implementing a new style of play is not an easy task, but she is determined to see it through. ‘The club wanted to play attractive football and be brave,’ she said. ‘We know that can have risks but the club support me in that. They signed me for that.’
United’s squad undergoes significant changes
This season, Manchester United Women will look different both on and off the pitch. The departure of senior squad members like Melvine Malard, Gabby George, Millie Turner, and Lisa Naalsund, along with the end-of-contract exits of Leah Galton and Hannah Blundell, has reshaped the team. However, new signings such as Spain youth international defender Andrea Medina, former Germany youth international goalkeeper Janina Leitzig, and Sweden forward Monica Jusu Bah bring a fresh dynamic.
Bah, in particular, is seen as a key signing. The 23-year-old, who has 11 caps for Sweden, joins from BK Häcken for a reported fee of about £400,000. She was instrumental in Häcken’s victory in the inaugural Women’s Europa Cup last season, scoring 16 goals and providing seven assists. Olid’s reputation for developing young players was a significant factor in Bah’s decision to join United.
The road ahead for Manchester United Women
Last season, United finished fourth in the Women’s Super League, missing out on the Women’s Champions League places by nine points. This season, with Tottenham and London City making ambitious recruitment moves, United will need to be at their best to maintain their position. However, the team retains a strong core of international players, including England internationals Maya Le Tissier and Ella Toone, world-class goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, and dynamic midfielder Jess Park.
The club’s financial history has been a topic of debate. While some argue that United have set an example of sustainable professional women’s football, others point to a lack of investment compared to rivals like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester city. Despite these challenges, United’s focus on playing an entertaining style of football for supporters remains a priority.
As the new season kicks off, all eyes will be on Eva Olid and her team. With her bold vision and the support of the club, Manchester United Women are poised to make a statement in the Women’s Super League.
