The beginning of Eva Olid’s tenure at Manchester United Women has proven to be incredibly challenging.
An initial 2-1 loss against London City Lionesses, followed by a heavy 5-0 beating from Chelsea, means Olid’s squad has major issues to address after only two matches in the Women’s Super League.
Given the appointment of a new head coach, a heavily modified roster, and the absence of Champions League fixtures, anxiety is already building around the club.
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A period of massive offseason transition
Following a fourth-place WSL finish last term that cost United a spot in Europe, Olid was appointed to succeed Marc Skinner.
Furthermore, a massive exodus took place over the summer, with key figures like Hannah Blundell, Leah Galton, Gabby George, Melvine Malard, Lisa Naalsund, and Millie Turner all parting ways with the team.
To offset these departures, United secured signings including Rebeca Bernal, Monica Jusu Bah, Janina Leitzig, and Andrea Medina; nonetheless, supporters remain highly skeptical about the sufficiency of the club’s transfer activity.
Insufficiencies in funding for the women’s side have persisted as a long-term issue at Old Trafford, creating ongoing obstacles during Skinner’s five years at the helm.
Back in April, he remarked: “My dedication to this project is total. However, adjustments must occur during the off-season. We need modifications to ensure we remain competitive in what is increasingly a commercially driven landscape.”
This comprehensive squad overhaul was further complicated by Olid’s appointment, as she lacks prior managerial experience in the WSL. Arriving only in early August, her window to establish a tactical approach and integrate the revamped roster has been extremely short.
Disappointing outcomes and troubling displays
The initial two fixtures have offered zero reassurance to anxious onlookers.
Falling to London City was highly discouraging, as the visitors commanded the flow of the game for long stretches. While Simi Awujo managed to find the net late in injury time, United’s offensive output was virtually non-existent prior to that moment.
Even more alarming was the subsequent performance against Chelsea.
The Red Devils registered a mere two attempts on goal to Chelsea’s dominant 24, with every single United player failing to surpass a 6.5 rating on FotMob.
Predictably, defensive partners Dominique Janssen and Maya Le Tissier suffered the worst scores, graded at 2.8 and 4.6 respectively.
The issue extended far beyond the scoreline; United’s backline was repeatedly breached, their pressing schemes failed to disrupt Chelsea, and unforced errors plagued their play.
While growing pains are expected under a fresh tactical setup, the display against Chelsea highlighted deeper systemic flaws. The squad looked uncomfortable playing from their own third, lacked urgency in transition, and showed minimal creative spark in the final third.
A few bright spots did emerge, such as Medina’s strong performances before her unfortunate injury departure against the Blues. Bernal’s maiden appearance also hints at useful midfield depth. Nevertheless, a massive uphill climb lies ahead.
The scrutiny begins immediately
With the season only just underway, it is too early for two fixtures to dictate the final outcome.
However, because United are not competing in Europe, their season will be evaluated solely on domestic achievements, all while their direct competitors have reinforced their squads.
After setting a milestone by advancing to the Champions League final eight last season, securing a European spot again is crucial to prove they are moving forward. At present, however, a top-three finish in the WSL looks like a distant prospect.
Olid’s immediate task is to win over the players while constructing her tactical philosophy, raising morale before this shaky start snowballs into a full-blown crisis.
A campaign isn’t decided in a fortnight, but the new manager has already inherited a lengthy list of issues to resolve.
