Zhipan Sport

Criticism 'Normal' After Poor Start, Says Man Utd's Olid

Sep 18, 04:42 PM

Manchester United manager Eva Olid says it is "normal" to expect "constructive criticism" following their poor start to the WSL campaign.

Manchester United manager Eva Olid has described the criticism directed at her side following a difficult start to the Women's Super League season as "normal", insisting that she and her coaching staff will treat the external noise as constructive rather than something to be feared. Her comments came after a run of results that has left the Red Devils well short of where they were expected to be at this stage of the campaign. United have struggled at both ends of the pitch in the opening weeks. In attack, the team has lacked creativity and a cutting edge, while defensively there have been costly lapses in concentration that have turned potentially winnable matches into dropped points. Unsurprisingly, that run has sparked debate among supporters and pundits alike, with questions raised about tactics, squad rotation and the overall condition of the team. Olid has chosen to meet those questions head-on rather than deflect them. "When you manage a club like Manchester United, it is normal to expect constructive criticism," Olid said. She argued that the level of scrutiny reflects the weight of expectation that comes with the badge, and that her job is not to complain about pressure but to channel it into improvement. She also stressed that the squad is more aware of its shortcomings than outsiders might realise, and that the coaching staff have already been working on specific fixes on the training ground. From a tactical standpoint, United have lost some control in midfield this season, with the transition from defence to attack looking less fluid than in previous campaigns. As a result, the forward line has often been left isolated. Injuries have compounded the problem, forcing Olid into frequent changes to her starting line-up and disrupting the rhythm and understanding that had been built over time. Despite the setbacks, Olid remains confident about the road ahead. She pointed out that the season is still young and that the table is far from settled, leaving plenty of room for a turnaround. She highlighted the opportunities given to younger players during this difficult period, arguing that the experience gained will prove valuable for the club's long-term development. With unity and continued attention to detail, she believes results will improve. For United, the coming fixtures represent a stern test. The team needs to rediscover its form quickly and start accumulating points to avoid falling further behind the leading pack. Olid's management will come under even closer examination during this stretch, and how she steadies the group and lifts morale under pressure could shape the rest of the campaign. Ultimately, Olid's willingness to treat criticism as part of professional football speaks to her composure as a manager and signals a squad ready to confront its problems rather than hide from them. Whether United can answer their doubters on the pitch is the question that will define the weeks ahead.