Eva Olid new coach of Manchester United women's team

Manchester United has officially announced the appointment of Eva Olid as the head coach of its women's team, signing a two-year contract with an option for an additional year. She replaces Marc Skinner, who parted ways by mutual consent on Monday, just a month before the start of the Women’s Super League (WSL) season. Arsenal optimistic about Guimarães recruitment

A rapid rise at Hearts

The 40-year-old Spaniard, Olid, led the Scottish club Hearts for five years, from 2021 to 2026, transforming a relegated team into champions of the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL). She left Edinburgh in the summer of 2026 after her contract expired, despite a historic season marked by the club’s first national title. Olid also guided Hearts to the 2024 Scottish Cup final, where they lost to Rangers. “Becoming the head coach of Manchester United Women is a dream come true,” she said. “There is already so much talent in our squad, and I am eager to work with the players to help them reach their immense potential.”

An attacking philosophy and tactical management

Olid implemented an attacking style of play based on a 3-4-3 formation, where the goalkeeper plays a key role as a fourth defender. Under her leadership, Hearts finished the 2025-26 season top of the league, scoring 85 goals—five more than Rangers. This prolific attack bodes well for United’s forwards like Ella Toone, Lea Schuller, and Elisabeth Terland. Her tactical approach also includes adaptability, as seen in a 1-0 victory over Glasgow City in April after four consecutive defeats to the same rival. That match marked a turning point in their title race. “She is an excellent coach, very competent,” praised Georgia Hunter, Hearts’ former captain, now at Ipswich. “I learned so much under her guidance.”

An immediate challenge for Olid at United

Manchester United are delighted that Olid is developing young talent and improving individual players every week. “Eva is the ideal coach to lead us into a new era,” stressed Matt Johnson, the club’s director of women’s football. “She shares our commitment to nurturing young and local players.” Her swift appointment, less than 24 hours after Skinner’s departure, reflects the advanced state of the recruitment process. Yet the pressure will be immediate, not least from supporters who have been demanding better results for several years. Her first test comes on 4 September, on the opening day of the WSL against London City Lionesses. Olid has also worked with the Scottish women’s national team, which came as little surprise to Amy Canavan of BBC Sport Scotland: “We were certain she had a special role to fill. She fully deserves this opportunity and is ready for the challenge.” Her time at Hearts, marked by a balanced approach combining possession with quick transitions, could inspire her new side. With an average of 56.8 % possession, Hearts dominated play while remaining effective on the break, producing the highest number of shots from fast transitions. Their ability to create high-quality chances, with an xG per shot of 0,116, makes them a model for Manchester United. Find interviews and analysis on the Women’s Super League and beyond in the Women’s Football Weekly.