Why Olid's Manchester United are still adjusting tactically
Eva Olid's Manchester United have found it difficult to impose a dominant possession game in the early Women's Super League fixtures. They lost to London City Lionesses and Chelsea before drawing with Arsenal, though a 10-1 League Cup win over Sheffield United offered encouragement. Analysis of their build-up structure and changes from predecessor Marc Skinner shows the team is still developing under the new manager.
Eva Olid joined Manchester United with a reputation for possession-heavy, attack-minded play after her Hearts spell. Her opening WSL fixtures produced a 2-1 loss to London City Lionesses, a 5-0 defeat by Chelsea and a 1-1 draw with Arsenal, before a 10-1 League Cup win over Sheffield United.
United now build from a 4-2 or 3-2 shape, with two narrow central midfielders. The ball-side winger remains advanced and wide, while the opposite wide player drops next to the No.10 to create a midfield box. This differs from Marc Skinner's more rigid, spread-out 3-2-2-3, where No.10s held high pockets. Olid permits central players to approach the ball and manufacture overloads.
The tactical transition may shape how supporters, players and broadcast audiences experience United's WSL campaign. Early results could influence fan patience and media attention, while opportunities for midfielders and wingers to adapt may affect individual development. A clearer identity, if it emerges, could also help draw casual viewers to women's football, though short-term inconsistency may temper expectations.