Two Games, Two Defeats: Is Olid's Manchester United in Trouble?

What Happened at Leigh?

Manchester United's season began with a thud, as they were comprehensively outplayed by Chelsea in their opening Women's Super League match. The result—5-0—wasn't just about goals; it was a stark demonstration of how far the club has fallen from the heights they once reached under Marc Skinner.

I've been covering women's football for years, and seeing Manchester United struggle so publicly against a side that many considered second-tier last season was sobering. The numbers tell a story: two shots on target, five goals conceded in 25 attempts—this wasn't just poor performance, it was a complete tactical failure.

"Chelsea are a good side and we knew we had to defend," said Eva Olid after the game. "When you have the ball, you need to keep it longer."

The reality is, though, that Olid didn't just inherit a team; she inherited a system in disarray. The roster was significantly weakened over the summer, with key players like Melvine Malard leaving for Chelsea, and others moving on to Birmingham City. It's one thing to lose talent—it's another to do so without replacements.

A New Era or Just a Rebuilding?

Olid arrived with high hopes and an ambitious plan: to build an attacking identity rooted in youth development and sustainability. Her approach may work long-term, but right now, it feels like the club is taking a massive gamble. And if those first two games are any indication, that gamble might not be paying off just yet.

With her new signings still finding their rhythm—especially Monica Jusu Bah from BK Hacken, who only managed eight touches in 63 minutes—United's lack of cohesion was painfully evident. Andrea Medina, the new full-back from Atletico Madrid, showed flashes of brilliance but couldn't stay on the pitch due to injury.

The truth is, Manchester United has had a tough run in recent years. Despite the challenges, their women's team once represented one of England's elite clubs, even capturing the FA Cup under Skinner. Now, it seems like they're starting over from scratch, and the process isn't going smoothly.

Is Olid Ready?

As a manager who has led Hearts to their first Scottish Women's Premier League title, Olid brings experience and passion to her role. But she's stepping into uncharted waters in the WSL. There's no guarantee that the same strategies that worked elsewhere will translate here.

She must now navigate a delicate balance: maintaining fan confidence while allowing time for development. The players seem optimistic about her vision, as striker Elisabeth Terland noted:

"It has been very new and exciting... she wants to play attacking football, keep the ball and find a fun way of playing."

But excitement can't be enough when results aren't there. If United continues this trend, there may not be much patience left for Olid—or her philosophy.

What Comes Next?

The coming weeks will tell the real story. Their next fixture—visiting Arsenal at Emirates Stadium—is a tough test. Then comes West Ham and then Liverpool and Manchester City. If Olid can't rally the team soon, it'll be hard to justify her leadership.

Still, I believe in the resilience of this franchise. Manchester United's women have historically shown they're capable of rising from adversity. But this time, it's not just about grit—it's about clarity and execution.

Right now, the club appears to be at a crossroads. The foundation for a successful rebuild is being laid, but if Olid fails to deliver results in the short term, it may not matter how visionary her long-term plan is. Fans are watching closely—and so am I.