Elisabeth Terland scored as Eva Olid’s first match in charge of Manchester United Women ended in a 1-1 pre-season draw with Leicester City. The Spaniard took charge for the first time following her appointment as Marc Skinner’s successor, with the behind-closed-doors friendly providing an early opportunity to assess her new squad before the Women’s Super League season begins. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 4th in FA WSL, 40 pts, 11W-7D-4L from 22 games, recent form LDDLW.
What happened in the match?
Terland found the net for United during the contest, with Manchester United’s official match report confirming the 1-1 result. The result was secondary to building fitness and giving Olid her first chance to implement her ideas with the squad. The 40-year-old arrived at United after an impressive spell with Hearts, where she led the Edinburgh club to the Scottish Women’s Premier League title last season.
Why it matters for Manchester United Women
Olid described the chance to work in the WSL as a dream opportunity. United finished fourth in the league last season and will be hoping Olid can help them close the gap to the leading sides. Saturday’s friendly offered the first small indication of how her team could look. Terland providing the goal was another positive after the Norway international established herself as one of United’s main attacking threats last season.
What comes next for Manchester United Women?
Olid will have further opportunities to assess her players during a five-day training camp in Spain. Manchester United Women will also face Newcastle United behind closed doors as preparations continue for the competitive campaign. The new WSL season begins against London City Lionesses on 4 September. There remains plenty of work ahead before then, but Olid’s Manchester United tenure is officially under way.
