The short version
- Manchester United has won six consecutive matches across all competitions after a winless start to the season.
- Manager Eva Olid adjusted tactics by balancing her preferred possession-based style with the team's established defensive organization.
- Internal discussions and staff appointments during the international break helped restore player confidence ahead of the Manchester derby.
Manchester United’s women’s football team has undergone a significant transformation in recent weeks, shifting from a winless start to a six-match winning streak across all competitions. This turnaround positions the club fifth in the Women’s Super League table, eight points behind unbeaten leaders Manchester City. The upcoming derby against their local rivals on Sunday serves as both a test of this renewed momentum and a potential catalyst for further progress in the title race.
The initial struggles under manager Eva Olid stemmed from difficulties adapting to her preferred tactical approach. Olid arrived with a vision centered on high possession, an aggressive attacking mindset, and risk-taking play. However, the squad found it challenging to execute this style effectively during their opening fixtures. Defeats against London City Lionesses and Chelsea highlighted these issues, with United managing fewer than forty percent possession in both games and recording only two shots on target combined.
Recognizing that the team was attempting to implement too many changes simultaneously, Olid decided to recalibrate her strategy. She emphasized the need to preserve the squad’s existing strengths, particularly their defensive organization, while gradually introducing elements of her new system. This pivot began in earnest following a one-all draw with Arsenal, which Olid identified as a turning point where the team started to find a workable balance between familiarity and innovation.
The statistical improvement since that mid-September match has been stark. In their subsequent three WSL games, United secured maximum points, scoring six goals while conceding just two. Their possession figures nearly doubled compared to the opening matches, and they significantly increased their attacking output. The team recorded 529 passes ending in the final third during this period, a sharp rise from the 197 registered in the first three games. Additionally, shot volume quadrupled from ten to forty-two, and aerial duel success rates improved.
Beyond tactical adjustments, significant changes occurred off the pitch to address morale and cohesion. Following a heavy five-nil defeat by Chelsea, Olid facilitated open discussions with the squad to identify underlying issues. She described this phase as a transitional period requiring honest communication to rebuild trust and clarify expectations. These conversations helped players understand what was required of them and allowed Olid to better support their individual needs.
The international break provided additional time for restructuring and reflection. Olid used this window to finalize her backroom staff, appointing Jose Herrera as assistant coach alongside Gavin Beith, a former colleague from Hearts. This stability in leadership contributed to a renewed sense of purpose within the group. Players returning from national duty, including captain Maya le Tissier, brought fresh energy and confidence, having performed well for their respective countries.
Individual performances have also reflected the broader team improvement. Vice-captain Ella Toone, who had been omitted from England selection earlier in the season due to form concerns, responded by scoring in a three-one victory over Charlton Athletic. Summer signing Andrea Medina has similarly established herself as a key contributor, integrating smoothly into the squad’s evolving dynamic. These personal successes have reinforced the collective belief that the team can compete at a higher level.
As United prepares for the Manchester derby, Olid views the fixture as an opportunity to leverage the confidence built over recent weeks. She acknowledges that while big games naturally motivate players, the specific context of facing City adds an extra layer of intensity. The manager aims to maintain the positive energy from their winning run while ensuring the team remains focused on executing their balanced tactical approach against a top-tier opponent.
The contrast between United’s early season struggles and current form underscores the importance of adaptive management in professional football. By blending immediate results with long-term stylistic goals, Olid has helped stabilize a squad that was previously lacking direction. The coming weeks will reveal whether this resurgence is sustainable or merely a temporary correction before the pressures of a full campaign take their toll.
With City remaining unbeaten and sitting at the summit, United faces a steep challenge to close the eight-point gap. However, their recent consistency suggests they are no longer the side that faltered in the opening matches. The derby will be a critical indicator of whether United can translate domestic form into success against elite competition, potentially setting the tone for the remainder of the season.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗What have Man Utd changed to turn around WSL form?
