Have Eva Olid's Manchester United shown signs of progress?

A week ago, the outlook for Manchester United looked significantly bleaker than it appeared after the final whistle at the Emirates Stadium this Saturday. Although United conceded a 95th-minute equaliser to Arsenal, the performance marked a clear step forward for the team.

Defeats in their opening two matches, including a 5-0 thrashing by Chelsea, brought heavy scrutiny to new manager Eva Olid. The team initially appeared disorganised and lacking in identity, struggling defensively. However, a gutsy defensive display against Arsenal delivered a well-earned 1-1 draw, with the side only denied all three points in the final seconds.

It has been an intense week because there were a lot of emotions. We grew as a team. The focus was the defensive shape. Eva Olid

Olid, who joined from Hearts in the summer, promised to implement an attacking style based on possession. Following the early struggles, she opted to return to the defensive roots established under her predecessor, Marc Skinner. The shift was effective; midfielders like Simi Awujo and Andrea Medina helped the team win more duels and tackles than their opponents, providing a solid structure throughout the match.

While Manchester United are still awaiting their first Women's Super League win of the season, the performance provided a foundation to build upon. Olid acknowledged that while the attacking fluidity she desires will require time, the team's ability to maintain a solid defensive structure is a critical first step in their development.