How Manchester United turned around their WSL form
After a difficult start to the season, Manchester United have won six games in a row. Manager Eva Olid explains the tactical and off-pitch adjustments that sparked their resurgence.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Author: jamesboyes
Manchester United are a transformed side compared to their early-season struggles. After failing to win any of their opening three matches, Eva Olid’s team has now secured six consecutive victories across all competitions, finding a much-needed rhythm ahead of the Manchester derby.
The catalyst for this turnaround was a tactical reset. Olid conceded that her initial demands for a high-possession, attacking style were too much too soon, leading to frustrating defeats against London City Lionesses and Chelsea. By reverting to a more familiar defensive structure while slowly integrating her new philosophy, the team has found a balance that allows them to be more clinical up front.
The statistics reflect this shift: United have significantly improved their efficiency in the final third and increased their shot output drastically compared to the start of the season. Off the pitch, Olid utilized the international break to conduct honest discussions with the squad and restructure her backroom team, bringing in assistant Jose Herrera to support the new project.
With the squad now feeling more connected, United sit fifth in the table. The upcoming derby against league leaders Manchester City serves as the ultimate test for this newfound confidence. Olid believes the inherent motivation of a derby match will be the perfect next step for her players to prove that their resurgence is here to stay.