Did United’s derby reveal a new mindset, as Eva Olid’s side clawed back a point against City?
Olid’s squad delivered their strongest display yet, turning a sluggish start into a gritty 1‑1 draw on Sunday.
The result snapped City’s flawless opening run and stretched United’s unbeaten run to eight across all contests.
It’s a striking reversal after three winless league games left confidence in tatters.
A 5‑0 loss to Chelsea had defined their early woes, yet everything about the City clash delighted Olid.
“It felt like one of our best outings – the pressure, the hustle, the pressing,” she said.
“Building confidence from day one to now has been huge. The process continues, but today was massive,” she added.
United now sit fourth after seven fixtures.
So what sparked this revival?
The most visible shifts occurred on the pitch, where Olid admitted the team had to revert to familiar habits.
Initially they wrestled with her possession‑heavy, high‑risk blueprint.
Losses to London City Lionesses and Chelsea saw them muster just two shots on target and under 40% possession.
Olid sensed they were overreaching and had neglected their defensive strengths.
She urged a return to the basics that shone in the 1‑1 Arsenal draw, a sign of progress.
“Keep what worked before, and gradually layer in our new ideas,” she explained pre‑match.
“Finding balance is key. Expecting perfection from the first game is unrealistic – time is needed,” she warned.
That Arsenal stalemate became the turning point, laying a foundation for growth.
A tough opening run gave way to matches against lower‑ranked foes and two home games.
They collected the full nine points, netted six, conceded two, and nearly doubled possession.
By mixing a solid defensive shape with elements of Olid’s vision, they began troubling opponents more.
From just 197 final‑third passes in the first three games, they logged 529 across West Ham, Liverpool and Charlton.
Shot attempts jumped from ten to forty‑two, and aerial duels swung in their favor.
The surge boosted morale heading into the Leigh Sports Village derby, and Terland’s late equaliser felt natural.
Off‑field adjustments may be the biggest factor now.
Olid said the squad navigated a “transitional period” and held intense talks after the Chelsea humiliation.
Players needed belief, and those conversations aimed to spark solutions.
“It’s been hard work, honest dialogue about what we can do and how we connect,” she reflected on Sunday.
“Sometimes a painful moment forces a team to identify and fix its flaws,” she added.
Early‑season struggles also rattled individual fortunes.
Vice‑captain Ella Toone missed England selection under Sarina Wiegman, though she later rejoined as a backup.
She answered the snub by scoring in United’s 3‑1 win at Charlton in mid‑October.
Summer recruit Andrea Medina has become indispensable, and the international break gave Olid time to settle in and tweak training.
Captain Maya Le Tissier returned refreshed after impressing for England during the pause.
Back‑room roles were solidified, allowing Olid to assemble a staff she trusts to drive future success.
Fellow Spaniard José Herrera arrived as assistant, alongside Gavin Beith, Olid’s former Hearts colleague.
Speaking of the break, Olid noted, “I reorganised everything – new staff roles and our collaborative approach.”
“The pause felt like a fresh start, preserving good energy while resetting,” she said.
Now that United can hold their own against the league’s elite, Olid aims to build on the City draw.
“We must stay grounded. The season is long, opponents are strong. Continuous improvement is essential,” she asserted.
“If we keep today’s desire and fight, few obstacles can halt us. I saw promising moments,” she concluded.