Man Utd: Progress Signs After Intense Week?
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Olid's Man Utd take big step forward after 'intense week'
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Swedish midfielder Julia Zigiotti joined United from Bayern Munich last year
By Emma Sanders BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Emirates Stadium
Published 53 minutes ago
A week ago, the picture for Manchester United looked a lot bleaker than it did at the full-time whistle on Saturday. Regardless of the stoppage-time equaliser they conceded at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, United's performance marked a major sign of progress.
Defeats in their opening two matches, including a 5-0 thrashing by Chelsea, meant the list of questions for new manager Eva Olid seemed endless. United were disorganised, lacking in identity and were wide open at the back as their new era under Olid began in disappointing fashion. Those early displays did little to fill supporters with confidence, and Olid faced criticism for her decisions despite being in the job just a matter of weeks.
However, a gutsy defensive display against Arsenal delivered a well-earned 1-1 draw and they were only denied victory by a 95th-minute leveller. While United's wait for a first Women's Super League win of the season continues, this performance suggested there may not be quite the cause for concern many suspected.
Arsenal earn point with late leveller against Man Utd
Find interviews and extra content on the BBC Women's Football Weekly feed
What was different about United?
Olid, 41, took over as manager in the summer, joining from Hearts, and promised to implement a new attacking style of play that focused heavily on possession. However, in their opening two games, United had just two shots on target and less than 40% possession in both matches. In the second of those games, they suffered the five-goal humbling at home by Chelsea.
Few expected them to come away with anything against an Arsenal team who many tipped to win the title before the season kicked off, albeit they have struggled to score goals efficiently. Olid knew it would be a test but said on Friday she wanted her players to believe in themselves, show confidence, and to go back to the defensive roots they knew and built so well under her predecessor Marc Skinner.
"It has been an intense week because there were a lot of emotions from players and staff. Nobody wants to lose 5-0," said Olid. "We grew as a team. The first day after losing 5-0 is not easy for anyone. We spoke and said we needed energy this week and a positive mindset. The focus was the defensive shape. It's trying to get them more confidence."
Olid ultimately wants her United team to dominate the ball and create more chances in front of goal, but this time they delivered on her plea to be defensively solid. They looked well organised in an even first half in which United midfielder Simi Awujo stood out, while Andrea Medina tracked back effectively. They won more duels than Arsenal, put in more tackles and completed more interceptions than their opponents - but still had only 40% of possession.
Former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen told Sky Sports: "Manchester United have done a terrific job defensively. Over the last two games, they've been resolute at the back."