Eva Olde, the 41-year-old new manager of Manchester United, took charge in the summer, arriving from Hearts. Her side is yet to secure their first victory in the Women’s Super League this season, having lost their first two matches, including a 5-0 defeat to Chelsea. In their first two matches, Manchester United managed only two shots on target and held less than 40 per cent of possession.
On Friday, Olde stated that she wants her players to believe in themselves, to show confidence, and to return to the defensive foundations built under previous manager Marc Skinner. She described it as an intense week due to the high emotions among the players and staff, but emphasised that the team had developed as a unit, with a focus on defensive shape.
Against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Manchester United drew 1-1, with the equaliser coming in the 95th minute. Although they had 40 per cent of possession, they won more duels, made more tackles, and intercepted more passes than Arsenal. Simi Awujo stood out in the first half, while Andrea Medina made effective defensive returns. Isabella Christiansen told Sky Sports that Manchester United had done a good job in defence, noting that Awujo’s passing had brought power to the attack.
Manchester United took the lead in the second half when Julia Ziegler capitalised on a mistake by Georgia Stanway, but Smilla Holmberg’s late volley denied them the win. Olde stated that she believes the attack will come, that Manchester United had earned the three points through their effort, and that they needed to create more chances. She added that her goal is for the team to dominate possession and create more opportunities in front of goal.
Manchester United have won the Women’s FA Cup once, against Tottenham, having lost two other finals in the competition to Chelsea. Four years have passed since Manchester United last won at the Emirates Stadium. Olde told Sky Sports that Manchester United are a team that needs to press high, but also be better with the ball, noting that they are losing simple passes and not recognising the open player. She acknowledged that she cannot pretend that this is happening in four weeks, but is confident that it will come.
