Manchester United have confirmed Eva Olid as their new women’s manager on a two-year deal with an option for a further 12 months. The Spaniard replaces Marc Skinner, who left the role by mutual consent on Monday, a month before the start of the Women’s Super League season.
Olid, 40, spent five years at Hearts from 2021 to 2026, leading them to their first Scottish Women’s Premier League title last campaign. She opted to leave Edinburgh in the summer when her contract expired, having also taken Hearts to their first domestic final, though they lost to Rangers in the 2024 Scottish Cup.
Olid described the move as a dream come true, saying there is already so much talent within the squad and she is excited to work with the players to help them fulfil their potential. Sources at Manchester United had said a key requirement for Skinner’s replacement was a coach with a history of developing players. United begin their WSL season at London City Lionesses on 4 September.
Transformation at Hearts
Olid arrived in Edinburgh as a virtual unknown but transformed Hearts during her five years in charge, taking them from bottom of the table to the title. She built her side around a full-frontal attacking approach, usually a 3-4-3 formation, with her goalkeeper expected to play a key part as a fourth defender. Hearts were top scorers in the SWPL last season with 85 goals, only Rangers with 80 came close.
She also developed a plan B, having failed to beat Glasgow City across her first four seasons before going defensive in April’s meeting to secure a 1-0 win and go top of the table. Former Hearts captain Georgia Hunter, who moved to Ipswich this summer, praised Olid as a great manager and said she learnt so much under her. Olid has also worked with the Scotland women’s national team and has a track record of developing young players, including the Husband twins Erin and Jess, who both made their debuts under her aged 15.
United’s ambitions under scrutiny
United’s director of women’s football Matt Johnson said Olid is the perfect coach to lead the club into an exciting new era, sharing their commitment to developing homegrown and young talent. Olid’s appointment was swift following Skinner’s exit, with her contract signed within 24 hours as United were already well advanced in their recruitment process.
Olid remains untested in the WSL and in Europe, having enjoyed success in the Scottish Premier League with Hearts. United want a coach who specialises in youth development and can improve individual players on a weekly basis, and believe Olid meets that criteria. Skinner’s departure raised further questions about United’s ambition for its women’s team, meaning scrutiny on Olid will be immediate as she looks to galvanise a depleted squad and prepare for the season opener at London City Lionesses.
