Written by Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of former Heart of Midlothian manager Eva Olid as the club’s new women’s team head coach. The Spanish tactician arrives at Leigh Sports Village on a two-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months, tasked with restoring the Red Devils to the upper echelons of the Women’s Super League following a turbulent 2024-25 campaign.
Olid replaces Marc Skinner, who departed at the end of the season after a third-place league finish that ultimately fell short of the club’s Champions League ambitions. The appointment signals a clear strategic shift for United, who have opted for a coach with a reputation for developing young talent and implementing an aggressive, possession-based style of play.
A Proven Track Record in Scotland and Beyond
While Olid’s name may not be instantly recognisable to casual followers of the English game, her credentials are substantial. The 43-year-old from Girona spent two seasons at Hearts, where she transformed the Edinburgh club from a mid-table side into genuine title challengers in the Scottish Women’s Premier League. In her final season, she guided the Jambos to a second-place finish, narrowly missing out on the title to a dominant Glasgow City side, while also securing a historic run to the Scottish Cup final.
Before her time in Scotland, Olid built her reputation in her native Spain. She spent several years within the youth setup at Barcelona, where she helped develop a generation of players who would go on to feature prominently in the senior squad. Her work at the famed La Masia academy earned her plaudits for her tactical flexibility and her ability to nurture technical, intelligent footballers. She later took charge of Madrid CFF in the top flight, where she established the club as a competitive force despite operating with a fraction of the budget of the league’s giants.
Why Manchester United Chose Olid
The decision to bring in Olid represents a deliberate move away from the pragmatic, often reactive football that characterised the latter stages of Skinner’s tenure. United’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Dan Ashworth, has been vocal about wanting a clear identity across all teams in the club. Olid’s philosophy aligns perfectly with that vision.
Her sides are known for their high press, quick vertical passing, and a willingness to play out from the back, even under intense pressure. At Hearts, she implemented this system with remarkable speed, and the results were evident in the team’s improved ball retention and chance creation. For a United squad that boasts technically gifted players like Ella Toone, Grace Clinton, and Leah Galton, Olid’s methods could unlock a new level of attacking potency.
Furthermore, Olid has a strong track record of integrating academy products into the first team. At Barcelona, she was instrumental in the development of several players who are now regulars for the Spanish national team. This aligns with United’s long-term strategy of promoting from within, particularly given the recent success of their under-21 side.
The Challenge Ahead: Rebuilding Confidence and Closing the Gap
Olid inherits a squad that is undoubtedly talented but one that has suffered from a lack of consistency and a clear tactical direction. The dressing room was reportedly unsettled during parts of the previous season, with several senior players questioning the training methods and game plans. One of Olid’s first tasks will be to win over the dressing room and re-establish a positive, cohesive culture.
The challenge on the pitch is equally daunting. Manchester City and Chelsea remain the benchmark in the WSL, while Arsenal are also investing heavily. United finished a distant 12 points behind champions Chelsea last term, and their goal difference was significantly worse than their top-three rivals. Olid must address a defensive fragility that saw them concede 25 goals in 22 league games, a statistic that is simply not good enough for a club of United’s ambitions.
Recruitment will also be key. The new manager will have a significant say in transfer targets, with the club expected to be active in the summer window. A new centre-back and a prolific striker are believed to be high on the priority list, as well as a creative midfielder to provide cover for the injury-prone Toone.
A New Era at Leigh Sports Village
The appointment has been met with cautious optimism by the United fanbase. While some supporters had hoped for a more high-profile name, many are encouraged by the club’s willingness to think differently and back a coach with a clear, modern methodology. The players have reportedly reacted positively to the news, with several senior figures expressing excitement about working under a coach known for her meticulous preparation and man-management skills.
Olid’s first competitive fixture will come in the opening round of the new WSL season in September. Before that, she will have a full pre-season to implement her ideas and assess her squad. The club has also confirmed that she will bring her own backroom staff, including a new assistant coach and a set-piece specialist, signalling that the overhaul is not just limited to the top job.
Speaking at her unveiling, Olid was clear about her objectives. She spoke of her desire to “create a team that the fans are proud of,” one that plays with “courage, intensity, and intelligence.” She acknowledged the size of the task but exuded a quiet confidence that has become her trademark. “This is a giant of a club,” she said. “The infrastructure, the players, and the support are all here. My job is to connect those pieces and build something special.”
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Olid can translate her success in Edinburgh to the far more demanding environment of the WSL. However, early indications suggest that Manchester United have found a coach with the vision, the tactical acumen, and the hunger to lead them into a new chapter. The pressure is on, but the potential reward is immense. For the first time in a while, there is a genuine sense of excitement about what lies ahead for the women’s team at Old Trafford.
