Manchester United Women opened their Women's Super League campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat against London City Lionesses on Friday. The loss immediately puts pressure on new head coach Eva Olid, who took charge just one month ago.
How did the match unfold?
London City Lionesses took the lead in the ninth minute. Pressure from Alanna Kennedy forced Manchester United's Julia Zigiotti into an own goal. The visitors struggled to respond, holding little over one-third of possession before halftime and failing to register a single shot until the 78th minute. London City doubled their advantage late in the second half through a goal from Danielle van de Donk. Simi Awujo scored a consolation for Manchester United with the last move of the game, which was also their only effort on target.
Eva Olid acknowledged the need for urgency. "We cannot lose time," she told The Athletic. "From minute one, we need to be ourselves." The team finished fourth in the WSL last season with 40 points from 22 games, recording 11 wins, 7 draws, and 4 losses. Their recent form at the end of that campaign was LDDLW, leaving them 15 points behind champions Manchester City W.
What is the context of the new era?
Olid succeeded Marc Skinner, whose five-year tenure ended this summer. She faces the immediate task of improving a squad that scored 38 goals and conceded 22 last season for a +16 goal difference. The new manager has outlined her philosophy quickly. "In three weeks, I try (to make it so) that the team believes that we can be a team that dominates with the ball and attacks," Olid said.
The club made four signings during the summer window to bolster the squad. Rebeca Bernal arrived from Washington Spirit, Monica Jusu Bah joined from BK Hacken, and Janina Leitzig was signed as backup to first-choice goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Awujo, who scored the late goal, was originally signed from the American college system in 2024 at age 20.
Who featured in the opening lineup?
Captain Maya Le Tissier led the side, with Phallon Tullis-Joyce in goal. Andrea Medina started at left-back in a defensive unit that also included Jayde Riviere. In midfield and attack, Ella Toone was supported by wide players Jess Park and Anna Sandberg. Monica Jusu Bah, aged 23, made her debut as a second-half substitute after just two days of training with her new teammates. You can view the full squad details on our squad page.
The challenge was amplified by a strengthened opponent. London City Lionesses, backed by Michelle Kang's strategy, recruited heavily this summer, bringing in stars like Alexia Putellas, Mapi Leon, Kadidiatou Diani, and former United keeper Mary Earps.
What comes next for Manchester United?
The fixture list offers no respite. Manchester United Women now face a daunting double-header, starting with a home match against Chelsea. That is followed by an away trip to face Arsenal. These upcoming matches are important for Olid to instill her ideas and stop the early season momentum from slipping further. Fans can track these critical games on our fixtures page.
Rivals are also strengthening. Tottenham Hotspur, who finished fifth last term, have invested heavily to close the gap. The early defeat means United must quickly find answers to avoid being caught by the chasing pack. The team's next match is at home to Chelsea this coming weekend.
