United have endured a difficult opening, and their challenge will become even tougher when they visit Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Saturday (17:30 BST).
Arsenal are undefeated in their past 19 WSL fixtures, while United have not secured a victory at the venue since November 2022.
Sitting at the foot of the standings without a point and with only one goal is far from United’s target, but their current struggles may be a necessary stage in their recovery.
Olid said football has highs and lows, much like everyday life. Every side encounters a challenging spell during a season, and United’s has arrived at the beginning.
She explained that the squad is developing together and can use adversity to improve. Once this difficult period is behind them and they begin to gain momentum, she expects a significant improvement.
Her central message to the players has been to trust their own ability, as their opening two performances have not reflected their true identity or potential.
Olid has encouraged the team to preserve the defensive strength established under Skinner, which helped United reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
She has also asked for patience, stressing that the squad requires time to become comfortable with her tactical approach.
According to Olid, the players must continue using the qualities that previously served them well while gradually incorporating the new system.
She added that attempting to master every instruction immediately is unrealistic. The players may be concentrating and analysing too much, which has prevented them from playing with their usual freedom and confidence.
Arsenal manager Renee Slegers acknowledged that Olid has had very limited preparation time and said she understands the scale of the task confronting her counterpart.
Slegers said a coach must decide whether to introduce major changes immediately or adopt a gradual strategy that transforms the team over a longer period.
She believes finding that balance is likely to be Olid’s main difficulty. Although she is unfamiliar with Olid’s precise philosophy, Slegers recognises both the challenge involved and the supporters’ frustration, while emphasising how little time the coach has had.
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