Manchester United wanted the ball under Eva Olid — they cannot keep it

Manchester United appointed Eva Olid to keep the ball. After three league games, they can barely keep hold of it.

United sit winless in the Women's Super League after a 2-1 opening defeat to London City Lionesses, a 5-0 loss to Chelsea and a 1-1 draw with Arsenal, according to BBC. Across those three matches they have averaged just 37% possession.

That is the surprise. Olid, 40, arrived in August on a two-year deal with the option of a further year after replacing Marc Skinner. She came from Hearts with a clear reputation for high-possession, attacking football.

She has not hidden from the problem. "We lose simple passes and we cannot recognise the free player," Olid said, as reported by BBC. The numbers back her up. London City had 60.2% of the ball in their win at the start of September. Arsenal had 59% when the sides drew. Chelsea dominated with 62.8% in their 5-0 win, United's heaviest defeat of the young season.

Olid wants United to build from the back, starting moves with a 4-2 or 3-2 shape. That means four or three defenders spreading wide, with two central midfielders sitting narrow in front of them to receive short passes. It is patient football. It asks everyone, including the goalkeeper, to stay calm on the ball.

That last part has hurt. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce has looked uncomfortable with the ball at her feet in the new system. When the first pass goes wrong, the whole move breaks down and United end up chasing.

There was one release valve. United thrashed Sheffield United 10-1 in the League Cup, Olid's first win in charge. It was a night when the passing clicked and the chances flowed.

Olid says she will not abandon the plan. She insisted she will stick to her style despite the winless league start and the Chelsea defeat, according to ESPN. She has spoken before about loving the work of improving young players, and assistant coach Gavin Beith has arrived to help bed in the ideas.

What makes this stand out is the gap between promise and reality. Fans were told about control and front-foot football. They have watched their team defend for long spells instead.

For now, the story is simple. United have a manager with a strong belief in how football should be played. Turning that belief into completed passes is the next step.