Man Utd's Olid Embraces Criticism as She Builds Her Vision

Setting the Stage: A New Era Begins

When Eva Olid stepped into the manager's role at Manchester United this summer, she brought with her a clear philosophy — one that centers around possession-based play and an attacking mindset. However, as the season begins, her team has struggled to live up to that vision.

In her first two matches, United lost 2-1 to London City Lionesses and suffered a brutal 5-0 defeat at home to Chelsea. These results have led to questions about both her tactical decisions and the team's readiness for change. But Olid, who previously managed Hearts in Scotland, insists that criticism is part of the job.

"It is constructive criticism and that is normal," Olid said when asked if she found the backlash difficult. "We are the first to say we are not happy. The other part is the part I don't understand - people wanting to hurt [us], but they are not going to."

Her calm response shows a seasoned coach who understands that in football, as in life, there are peaks and valleys. What matters most for Olid is not just results but the process of transformation.

Building Momentum from the Ground Up

The Spaniard has made it clear that she's focused on building something sustainable rather than chasing immediate victories. She emphasized to her players how important it is to let them be themselves — to play freely and express their individual talents.

"They cannot forget what they were good at before," Olid explained. "At the same time, little by little, we need to implement the new style."

But implementing a new system takes time — especially when players are still adapting. In her view, it's impossible to do everything at once. Overthinking can become paralyzing, and that's exactly what she saw in those early matches.

"The players have been so focused and thinking a lot – overthinking maybe – trying to do everything and in the end, they don't do anything because they are not expressing themselves like I know they can," she noted. It's an insightful observation that reflects her belief in trusting talent and letting it flourish organically.

Challenges Ahead: Arsenal in the Spotlight

As United prepares for their next challenge against Arsenal, a team that has gone unbeaten in 19 WSL games, the pressure is mounting. The Gunners are not only the reigning champions but also the current form team in the league. This upcoming fixture could either be a turning point or another blow to United's hopes.

However, Olid sees this moment not as a setback but as a chance to grow. "Football is like life," she said. "You have good moments and difficult moments. Ours is the start."

The real test now lies in whether the players can find their rhythm quickly enough to respond to such high-stakes adversity. If they can, Olid's strategy may begin to show signs of life.

Support From the Outside

Even those who oppose her approach recognize that Olid has had limited time to make her mark. Arsenal's Renee Slegers acknowledged the difficulty of implementing a new style so early in the season, suggesting that Olid's method is perhaps a long-term gamble.

"As a coach it's a decision you make – are you going to change things straight away or are you going to have another approach where, over time, you look to try to change things progressively? That's probably the balance for her," Slegers said. "I don't know what her philosophy is but I imagine it's a challenge. I understand the disappointment from a fan perspective – but there has been so little time."

This kind of understanding is crucial — fans may be frustrated, but if Olid can keep her players motivated and aligned with her goals, she might just be able to pull off what others have deemed impossible.

Looking Forward: A Strategic Roadmap

While the early results aren't ideal, Olid's commitment to her vision remains unshaken. She is not chasing short-term success but instead investing in a future where Manchester United can compete at the highest level.

Her ability to manage pressure, communicate clearly, and inspire confidence in players speaks volumes about her potential as a leader. As she continues to shape the team, we'll see if this bold start pays off in the long run — or if it's just the beginning of a much longer journey toward redemption.

The road ahead is challenging, but with the right mindset and execution, Olid could very well turn criticism into success.