Manchester United Women return to WSL action on Sunday with a trip to face Charlton Athletic, and head coach Eva Olid says the international break has provided a vital reset. The team, currently seventh in the table with seven points from five games, will look to extend a four-match unbeaten run that began after a difficult start to the season. Their record of two wins, one draw, and two losses has left them eight points behind leaders Manchester City W.
Olid spoke to reporters on Friday as her squad reconvened at Carrington. She reflected on taking charge mid-way through pre-season and the value of early setbacks, including defeats in her first two matches. The head coach said those losses prompted honest conversations that led to a visible improvement, culminating in a 1-0 win over Liverpool before the break, with Julia Zigiotti Olme scoring the only goal in the sixth minute.
Break used for reorganisation
Olid did not rest during the pause. She stayed in Manchester to reorganise her coaching staff and define roles, describing the period as an amazing opportunity to get everything in order. The appointment of Jose Herrera to the backroom team was a key part of this process. Olid said she and Herrera know each other from football and share a similar mentality, adding that diverse profiles within the staff are very important to her.
She also kept a close eye on her players' international commitments, joking with captain Maya Le Tissier about scoring her first senior goal for England. Olid noted it is good for players to return in a positive mood, as happiness contributes to performance.
Ready for a tough contest
With the full squad only returning to training on Friday, Olid could not confirm any specific injury updates. She expects the break to have given her team fresh energy for what she anticipates will be a difficult match at The Valley. Olid pointed out that Charlton, who sit 14th, will see this as a chance to get their first win, meaning United must be ready for a committed opponent with a potentially contrasting style of play.
United's recent form shows a marked turnaround, with four wins and a draw in their last five outings, a sequence that includes a 5-1 victory at Durham and a 2-1 win over West Ham. They have scored five goals this season while conceding nine. The team's top scorer this season is J. Olme with 2 goals in 5 appearances. They face Charlton Athletic away on Sunday, 18 October, looking to climb from seventh place in the standings.
The original report is at manutd.com
