Manchester United's Remarkable Revival: A Tactical Turnaround
Manchester United has turned things around dramatically, winning their last three matches in the Women's Super League (WSL). The vibe around the club is a stark contrast to just a month ago, as they prepare for a high-stakes derby against the league-leading Manchester City.
Initially, under new manager Eva Olid, the team struggled, failing to secure a victory in their first three matches. Their confidence was low, and they faced a disappointing start to the season. However, a breakthrough came when they claimed their first win against Sheffield United in the Women's League Cup, igniting a six-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
Now positioned fifth in the league, eight points behind unbeaten rivals City, United is looking to carry their momentum into the derby on Sunday. But what sparked this revival?
The most prominent changes have occurred on the pitch. Olid, who took the reins in the summer, recognized that her players were having difficulty adapting to her possession-heavy and aggressive style of play. After a tough time against teams like the London City Lionesses and Chelsea, where they managed just two shots on target and less than 40% possession, Olid understood that her players needed to get back to basics.
She encouraged them to focus on their strengths, particularly their defensive organization, while gradually integrating her new tactics. "They need to keep what they were good at before, and at the same time, we need to implement our new style slowly," Olid explained before their draw with Arsenal, which served as a turning point for the team.
That draw was crucial, providing a foundation for the team to build upon. Following that match, United faced a string of games against lower-ranked opponents, and the difference was palpable. They secured nine points from their next three WSL matches, scoring six goals while conceding only two, and nearly doubling their possession.
By reestablishing a more familiar defensive setup and blending in elements of Olid's vision, United became more dangerous in attack. They went from just 197 passes in the final third during the first three games to an impressive 529 in their subsequent matches against West Ham, Liverpool, and Charlton Athletic.
The shift in form is not just a result of tactical changes but also a reflection of a transformative period off the field. Olid mentioned how her side navigated a transitional phase, engaging in open discussions after their heavy defeat to Chelsea. Building confidence was essential, and those “honest conversations” helped the team find solutions.
"The first two games were good learning experiences for us to connect as a team and for me to understand what the players needed from me," Olid noted. "I feel now we are connected. That doesn’t mean we won’t have more challenging days, but there’s an understanding among us."
The early struggles also affected individual players, like vice-captain Ella Toone, who missed out on England selection for the first time under Sarina Wiegman. However, she responded by finding the net in United's 3-1 victory over Charlton. Meanwhile, summer signing Andrea Medina has quickly become an integral part of the squad.
The international break provided a valuable opportunity for Olid to reassess her role and implement changes during training. Captain Maya le Tissier returned energized after impressing for England, contributing to a reinvigorated squad.
Olid has also solidified her backroom staff, bringing in fellow Spaniard Jose Herrera as her assistant coach, along with Gavin Beith, who previously worked with her at Hearts. Reflecting on the break, Olid said, "It was a chance to reorganize everything, defining roles for the new staff and how we will work together. This break felt like a fresh start."
Now on a winning streak, Olid hopes the excitement of the upcoming Manchester derby will further motivate her players. "Before big games, it’s important to instill confidence in the players while also motivating them with the rivalry. Against City, there has to be something extra, right?" she remarked, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
