Manchester United are still searching for their first Women’s Super League win of the season, and head coach Eva Olid has backed her young players to come through the West Ham test when the sides meet at Progress With Unity Stadium on Sunday. Olid shared her thinking with club media ahead of the game, in comments updated on 4 October 2026.
The Reds go into the match looking to build on recent performances rather than results, and Olid’s message has centred on trust in her squad and a clear idea of what she wants to see on the pitch.
United’s young players and Olid’s trust
Olid revealed she could have picked the same starting line-up that faced Arsenal, but chose instead to trust her young players and the others who came into the side. It was a deliberate call rather than a reaction to injuries or fatigue.
She pointed to the attacking players given their chance, saying they had already shown enough in training and matches to earn her confidence. That backing now extends to Sunday’s game against West Ham.
What Olid wants United to combine
Olid wants her side to bring together the best elements of their last two outings. She highlighted the defensive discipline United showed against Arsenal and the composure they displayed against Sheffield United as the two traits she wants to see together.
“If we combine both performances, it will be perfect for the team.”
Olid also noted that Progress With Unity Stadium is starting to feel more like a true home ground, with supporters getting behind the players as the season goes on.
What Olid said about West Ham
Olid framed Sunday’s fixture as a chance for United to prove themselves against a strong opponent while staying calm in possession.
“Sunday is an opportunity to show that we can dominate against a really good side and have the confidence to play with the ball.”
She was clear-eyed about the threat West Ham pose, describing them as a dangerous side built around direct forwards.
“They know what they are doing,”
Olid said, before adding a warning and a note of anticipation in the same breath.
“That makes them a difficult team, but I think it will be a really good and competitive match.”
What happens next
United still need that first league win of the campaign, and Sunday’s West Ham test offers a fresh chance to get it. Olid’s comments, first set out in the original interview, make clear she is judging this group on performance levels as much as results.
If United can combine the Arsenal defensive shape with the Sheffield United composure, as Olid wants, Sunday should offer a clearer picture of where this young side stands.
