Manchester United in talks with former Hearts manager Eva Olid as new head coach

Manchester United are close to appointing former Hearts manager Eva Olid as their new head coach, with talks described as advanced and a deal expected to be sealed within the next 36 hours. The move follows the sudden exit of Marc Skinner, who left the club on Monday after five years in charge—a tenure that included lifting the 2024 Women’s FA Cup. The announcement comes as United’s squad prepares for the new Women’s Super League season, with captain Maya Le Tissier insisting the team will remain united despite the managerial upheaval.

A leadership vacuum and a swift response

Skinner’s departure was confirmed on Monday morning, with Le Tissier and Ella Toone among the players informed directly by the outgoing coach. Both players paid tribute to his impact, with Le Tissier describing the energy he brought to the club as “amazing,” while Toone emphasised his passion and hard work. The players stressed that no consultations had taken place regarding his successor, but acknowledged that an appointment would follow quickly. Le Tissier also reiterated United’s commitment to developing youth talent, a cornerstone of the club’s long-term strategy, though she stopped short of detailing specific ambitions under the new regime.

Olid’s candidacy emerges as United seek continuity after Skinner’s exit. The 40-year-old former Hearts manager, whose tenure in Edinburgh included steady progress in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, now stands on the verge of a high-profile move to one of England’s most scrutinised women’s teams. The club’s urgency suggests a preference for a swift resolution, with the next 36 hours pivotal in securing her services.

Transfer turbulence overshadows pre-season

United’s women’s team is not the only department facing uncertainty. Across the club, the men’s first team is navigating a transfer window marked by volatility, with multiple high-profile names still in flux. Arsenal are nearing a total agreement for Bruno Guimarães, while Manchester United remain locked in a battle for Newcastle’s Lewis Hall—a left-back whose future has been complicated by Eddie Howe’s departure. United’s pursuit of Hall follows the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, signalling a push to bolster their midfield depth before the Premier League curtain rises.

The men’s side also faces broader scrutiny, with a £20 million sponsorship deal with Betway raising questions about the Premier League’s new gambling rules. The agreement, announced amid a tightening regulatory landscape, underscores the financial pressures and commercial realities shaping United’s decision-making this summer. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s reported interest in Bradley Barcola adds another layer of complexity to a transfer window where every move carries weight.

What comes next for United’s women

Olid’s potential appointment would mark a significant shift in United’s women’s setup, where Skinner’s legacy includes a domestic cup triumph but also the challenges of sustaining progress in a rapidly evolving league. The club’s ambition to “bring through the youth” has been a recurring theme, and Le Tissier’s comments suggest that philosophy will endure regardless of the new coach’s identity. With pre-season underway and the WSL season looming, the next few days will determine whether Olid can translate her Scottish experience into a fresh start at Old Trafford.

The urgency of the situation reflects United’s broader need for stability. Skinner’s exit, while unexpected, arrives at a moment when the women’s team must quickly regroup. The squad’s unity, as Le Tissier emphasised, will be tested, but the club’s willingness to move swiftly for Olid signals a belief that decisive action can mitigate the disruption. Whether her tactical approach aligns with United’s ambitions remains to be seen, but the coming days could redefine the club’s trajectory in the women’s game.

For now, the focus is on securing Olid’s signature and ensuring the players—many of whom have built careers under Skinner—remain focused on the season ahead. The coming days will reveal whether United’s gamble pays off, or if the turbulence of the summer extends into another chapter of uncertainty.

Related coverage

Manchester United edging closer to winning transfer race for Lewis Hall after left-back rejects Chelsea return – Paper Talk – Sky Sports · Manchester United v Atletico Madrid LIVE: Michael Carrick’s side continue pre-season campaign