Manchester United have named Eva Olid as their new head coach of the women's team, handing the Spaniard a two-year contract with the option of a further season. The 40-year-old steps into the role following the departure of Marc Skinner, who left the club by mutual agreement just a month before the Women's Super League (WSL) season kicks off.
Olid arrives at Old Trafford after building a reputation at Hearts, where she guided the Scottish club to their first-ever piece of silverware last season. Under her guidance, Hearts also reached their maiden domestic cup final, though they were beaten by Rangers in the 2024 Scottish Cup showpiece. Her contract in Edinburgh expired in the summer, opening the door for a fresh challenge south of the border.
Speaking after her appointment was confirmed, Olid expressed her excitement at taking charge of one of England's biggest clubs. "The opportunity to become head coach of Manchester United Women is a dream come true," she said. "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."
United moved quickly to identify Olid as their preferred candidate, with reports suggesting the club had already progressed significantly in their search before Skinner's exit was even finalised. Her deal was reportedly agreed and signed within 24 hours of discussions beginning, underlining the urgency behind the switch given the proximity of the new campaign.
According to sources close to the club, Manchester United had prioritised finding a coach with a strong track record in developing young players, a quality they believe Olid possesses. Her methods in Scotland, where she nurtured emerging talent while also delivering competitive results, appear to align closely with the profile United were seeking.
The timing of the appointment leaves Olid with little room to settle in gently. United open their WSL campaign away at London City Lionesses in four weeks, meaning the new coach must quickly assess a squad that has seen departures over the summer, integrate younger players, and establish her tactical identity in a short space of time.
Olid's move to Manchester United represents a significant step up in profile, given she has no prior experience in the WSL or in European competition. While she earned admiration for her work in the Scottish Women's Premier League, the intensity and scrutiny of English football's top flight will present a considerably different test. There is optimism, however, that her Spanish football background could bring a fresh tactical approach to United's style of play.
Skinner's exit had already stirred debate among supporters about the club's broader ambitions for the women's team, and that scrutiny is now expected to shift toward Olid as she takes the reins. Balancing the weight of expectation that comes with managing at Manchester United, alongside the demands of a fanbase eager for progress after recent seasons, will form an immediate part of her challenge.
Her first assignment will be to rally a squad that has been thinned out over the transfer window, blend in emerging young talent, and prepare for what promises to be a revealing season opener against London City Lionesses on 4 September — a fixture that could offer an early indication of where Olid's Manchester United side currently stand.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.