Eva Olid asks for Manchester tips as United beat Liverpool to extend winning run
Manchester United beat Liverpool on Saturday, 3 October to claim a fourth straight win in all competitions. The victory arrived just before a two-week pause for World Cup play-offs, the knockout ties that decide the final places at the World Cup. It capped a burst of 18 goals across those four games in the Women's Super League and the League Cup. BBC
The Women's Super League is the top flight of women's football in England, while the League Cup is a separate knockout competition. Both now tell a happier story for United. The run has followed a difficult start for new manager Eva Olid.
Olid took over two months ago after leaving Hearts, replacing Marc Skinner. Her start was tough. United lost on the opening night of the league season to London City Lionesses, then lost 5-0 at home to Chelsea a week later. BBC
Across those two defeats United managed only two shots on target combined. A draw away at Arsenal steadied the ship. Then came four wins on the bounce.
Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor said United were very direct on Saturday and his side fell into their trap. Direct football means moving the ball quickly towards goal rather than building slowly through midfield. It proved enough to decide another English rivalry game. BBC
What makes this stand out is how Olid held her nerve when results were poor. She said in September she would stick to her style of football to build the team despite the 5-0 loss, according to ESPN. She also admitted she was surprised by the manner of the defeat to London City, according to Sky Sports. She now plans to use the international break for meetings with academy staff to begin putting longer-term ideas in place.
Off the pitch, Olid is still a newcomer to her new home. She said she has been so busy working since arriving that she has yet to explore Manchester. Her parents and family are with her, and she wants to discover the city with them during the break. BBC
She is asking for recommendations before looking around Manchester for the first time. There is a simple reason she has seen so little so far. United Women play most home games at Leigh Sports Village, about 12 miles west of central Manchester, and train at Carrington in Trafford on the same site as the men's team.
For fans, this means the manager who has steadied results is about to meet the city behind the club. Four wins have bought time and goodwill. The next fortnight offers something quieter: family, new streets, and a first proper look around Manchester.
