Manchester United appoint Eva Olid as women's manager

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Eva Olid as their new women's team manager. The 40-year-old Spaniard has signed a two-year contract with an option for a further 12 months, succeeding Marc Skinner, who left the role by mutual consent on Monday, just a month before the start of the Women's Super League (WSL) season.

Olid arrives from Hearts, where she led the Edinburgh club to their first Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) title last season. She also guided Hearts to their first domestic final, though they lost to Rangers in the 2024 Scottish Cup. Her contract at Hearts expired in the summer, and she opted to leave the club.

Speaking about her new role, Olid said: "The opportunity to become head coach of Manchester United Women is a dream come true. There is already so much talent within our squad and I am excited to work with the players to support them to fulfil their immense potential."

Why Olid was chosen

Sources at Manchester United indicated that a key requirement for Skinner's replacement was a coach with a proven history of developing players. Olid's work at Hearts, where she improved a squad that had not previously challenged for major honours, is believed to have been a decisive factor.

The club's recruitment process was already well advanced before Skinner's exit, and Olid's contract was signed within 24 hours of his departure. Her appointment is seen as a statement of intent, with the club focusing on youth development and a progressive style of play.

Analysis: An intriguing but untested appointment

Olid is largely untested in the WSL and in European competition, making her appointment one of the more intriguing moves of the summer. She was popular at Hearts and enjoyed success in Scotland, but the weekly pressures of the WSL represent a significant step up.

United have clearly outlined their direction: they want a coach who specialises in youth development and can improve individual players on a weekly basis. Olid is expected to bring a new style of football, influenced by her Spanish roots, and will be under immediate scrutiny given the club's recent ambitions.

Skinner's departure raised questions about United's commitment to their women's team, and Olid will need to address those concerns while also appeasing a frustrated fanbase. Her first task will be to galvanise a squad that has seen several departures this summer, integrate young talent, and prepare for the season opener against London City Lionesses on 4 September.

What can we learn from Olid's Hearts?

Hearts' SWPL title win was notable for their tactical flexibility. They ranked second for build-up attacks but first for direct attacks, showing an ability to play both patiently and quickly. They averaged 56.8% possession, the fourth-highest in the league, indicating they often dictated matches rather than reacting to opponents.

Despite their possession-based approach, Hearts were not slow. Only one team produced more shots from fast breaks, highlighting their ability to transition quickly from defence to attack. This balance was reflected in their chance creation: they produced 71 big chances during the season, the third-highest total in the division, while their xG per shot of 0.116 also ranked third.

Defensively, Hearts were organised rather than overly aggressive. They ranked fifth for high turnovers and conceded only 35 big chances across the campaign, the fourth-fewest in the league. These numbers suggest a side capable of controlling games with the ball while remaining dangerous on the break, a combination that powered them to the title.

United will hope Olid can replicate that balance at a higher level, starting with the WSL season opener at London City Lionesses on 4 September.