Manchester United Women midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme has set her sights on winning the Women's Super League title as the club begins a new era under manager Eva Olid. The Swedish international's comments were reported by Reuters on September 3, ahead of the team's sold-out season opener at London City Lionesses.
United currently sit 9th in the FA WSL standings with 0 points from one game, having lost their first match of the 2026 campaign. They have scored one goal and conceded two, leaving them with a negative goal difference and three points behind early leaders Liverpool W.
What are Manchester United Women's ambitions this season?
Julia Zigiotti Olme made clear the team's objectives for the coming campaign. "United always go in to win and we always aim high," she said. The midfielder acknowledged the competitive nature of the league, noting that Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City have all strengthened their squads.
Manchester City are the reigning WSL champions, having continued the dominance of the so-called 'big four' that also includes Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. Those four clubs have been the only winners of the English top flight since its formation in 2011. United finished sixth in their debut WSL season last term, and breaking into that elite group represents a significant challenge.
How has the team changed under new management?
Eva Olid took charge of Manchester United Women during the off-season, bringing a fresh tactical approach. Zigiotti Olme described the new manager's impact. "I think Eva has come in with a lot of energy and a completely different football to what we have played before, so that's fun," the midfielder explained. "It's a little more possession-based, I would say, a little more attacking football, fun football."
The 26-year-old joined United in July 2025 after spells with Brighton & Hove Albion and Bayern Munich. She brings experience from multiple leagues to a squad adapting to Olid's methods. The manager's system may take time to implement fully, especially with the reported higher intensity of the English game compared to other competitions.
What is the landscape of the expanded WSL?
The 2026 Women's Super League season features an expanded format, growing from 12 to 14 teams. Promoted sides Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic have joined the top flight after earning promotion from WSL2. This expansion reflects the growing profile and investment in women's football, with the league increasingly mirroring structures seen in the men's game.
Financial investment is playing a part in this growth, as demonstrated by London City Lionesses' ambitious transfer business. The club signed global stars Alexia Putellas and Mapi Leon alongside England goalkeeper Mary Earps during the summer window. Such high-profile moves raise the overall standard and visibility of the competition.
United's opening fixture was against a London City side strengthened by those signings. The match at Copperjax Community Stadium was a sell-out, highlighting the increasing fan interest as the women's game develops. You can track the team's progress throughout the season on our standings page.
How does the international break affect preparations?
The start of the WSL campaign comes during a window for Women's World Cup European Qualifiers. Zigiotti Olme is part of the Sweden squad preparing for matches against Serbia during this period. Balancing club commitments with international duty is part of the modern footballer's schedule, particularly for players from nations regularly competing in major tournaments.
Manchester United Women will look to bounce back from their opening day defeat when domestic action resumes. The team's fixtures show a demanding schedule ahead in the expanded league.
Julia Zigiotti Olme's contract with Manchester United Women runs through the 2027 season.
