Eva Olid named new Manchester United women's manager

Manchester United have officially appointed Eva Olid as their new women's team head coach. The Spanish tactician has signed a two-year contract, with the club holding an option to extend it by a further 12 months. Olid takes over from Marc Skinner, who left his role by mutual agreement 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 side to their first-ever Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) title in the previous campaign. That triumph marked the club's maiden piece of silverware under her guidance, and she also guided Hearts to their first domestic final, losing to Rangers in the 2024 Scottish Cup. After her contract expired, the 40-year-old decided to leave Scotland in the summer.

'The opportunity to become head coach of Manchester United Women is a dream come true,' Olid said in a club statement. '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.'

According to sources at Manchester United, one of the key criteria for Skinner's successor was a coach with a proven track record in developing players. The appointment is intriguing precisely because Olid is relatively unknown at this level — she has never worked in the WSL or in European competition. While she was popular at Hearts and enjoyed success in the Scottish top flight, the weekly demands of the WSL represent a significant step up.

The club's intentions have been clear: they want a coach who specialises in youth development and can improve individual players on a consistent basis. United believe Olid fits that profile and will hope she introduces a fresh style of play, no doubt shaped by her Spanish footballing roots.

The recruitment process moved swiftly following Skinner's exit, with the club already well advanced in their search. Olid's contract was signed within 24 hours. Skinner's departure had also sparked renewed questions about United's ambition for its women's side, meaning scrutiny on Olid will be immediate. She will need to handle that pressure and expectation, which partly comes with being United manager, while also appeasing a frustrated fanbase that has demanded more in recent years.

Her first task will be to galvanise a depleted squad this summer, integrate young talent, and prepare for the season opener at London City Lionesses on 4 September — a fixture that will serve as a telling indicator of where United currently stand.