Manchester United Women’s new manager, Eva Olid, has settled into her role after a hectic first ten weeks at the club. Appointed in early August following Marc Skinner’s exit, Olid arrived at United a month before the Women’s Super League (WSL) season began, leaving her little time to explore her new city. In a relaxed interview at a Manchester coffee shop, the 41‑year‑old explained that her days have been a blur of work and home life, but she remains focused on building a team that can compete at the highest level.
Olid’s reputation was built at Hearts, where she guided the club from the bottom of the Scottish Premiership to champions in five seasons. Although her success had gone largely unnoticed outside Scotland, she entered United with a clear agenda: to introduce her possession‑based philosophy and to establish herself as a coach who is also a person. “On my first day I showed them who I am and what I do,” she said. “I wanted them to see that I’m not just a coach, but someone who cares about their development.” She began by explaining her vision of football, emphasizing hard work and continuous improvement.
The transition has not been easy. Olid inherited a thin squad and a new policy that prioritised academy graduates over external signings. Her first two matches ended in defeats – a 2‑1 loss to London City Lionesses and a 5‑0 home defeat by Chelsea – which she described as a “humbling” experience. She took responsibility for the results and used the setbacks as a catalyst for change. “I had honest conversations with the players and I knew what the problem was,” she said. “When you know the problem, you can change it.” Olid simplified the game plan, focusing on basic principles and encouraging the squad to work together.
Since then, United have gone on a five‑game unbeaten run, climbing from the bottom of the WSL to seventh place. A 1‑1 draw at the Emirates marked the beginning of this positive streak, and Olid remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory. “You need to find a way to win while developing players and implementing a new style of play,” she said. “Finding that balance is a challenge, but I think we’re getting there.” She acknowledged that the club’s new attacking approach will take time to gel, but expressed confidence that the players are adapting.
Outside football, Olid has begun to acclimatise to life in Manchester. She admitted that the local tapas bars have not met her expectations for authenticity, and she is still learning to navigate the city’s public transport system. She has visited Old Trafford, recalling her first visit as a fan thirteen years ago and expressing excitement about the upcoming home match. As she settles into her role, Olid’s focus remains on building a competitive side that can challenge for honours while nurturing young talent and maintaining her possession‑based identity.