New Manchester United boss Eva Olid has promised a brave, attacking style as she prepares for her first WSL game against London City Lionesses
A new season brings a new chapter for Manchester United Women.
After Marc Skinner's departure this summer, the club have turned to Spanish coach Eva Olid to lead them into a new era, one built around attacking football, bravery and the development of young players.
Olid arrives in Manchester after making history with Hearts, guiding the Scottish side to their first league title last season.
Now, she faces a very different challenge.
United have ambitions of competing near the top of the Women's Super League, but a relatively quiet summer transfer window has left questions over whether they have enough to challenge the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.
Olid, however, isn't interested in those doubts.
Her message ahead of Friday's season opener against London City Lionesses is simple: be brave.
A completely different Manchester United
Olid has made it clear that supporters should expect to see a different Manchester United this season.
Rather than simply building on the style used under Skinner, the new boss wants her team to play on the front foot and actively look for ways to hurt opponents.
"My ambition is attacking football. I focus the gameplans on how we can hurt the teams."
That philosophy could make United one of the more intriguing teams to watch this season.
Olid wants her players to identify weaknesses, take risks and play with an attacking mindset, something that could require patience as the squad adapts to a new system.
"The style of play is different to what we had last year."
Changing a team's identity doesn't happen overnight, though.
Olid admits she has had to prioritise which aspects of her philosophy can realistically be introduced immediately, particularly after an inconsistent pre-season.
From Hearts success to the WSL
The biggest reason for United's optimism is Olid's track record.
Her move to Manchester comes after a hugely successful spell at Hearts, where she helped deliver the club's first Scottish league title.
That achievement demonstrated her ability to build a winning team despite operating with fewer resources than some of her rivals, something that could prove valuable at United.
She also arrives with an understanding of how to develop players and create a clear identity, two areas Manchester United are increasingly looking to prioritise.
The WSL will provide a significantly tougher test, but Olid believes her previous experience has prepared her for difficult challenges.
"People that followed me in the last years with Hearts know I made something impossible possible."
Now she will attempt to do something similar in England.
Why United fans should be excited
There are obvious concerns surrounding United.
The club's women's team operates with a smaller budget than some of its biggest WSL rivals, while the summer transfer window didn't bring the major additions some supporters had hoped for.
That has resulted in predictions that United could struggle to challenge for the top three.
But Olid's appointment offers something different: a long-term project.
The Spaniard is reportedly determined to develop young players and create an attacking identity rather than simply chasing short-term results.
That could make this season something of a transition period.
There may be frustrating moments along the way, but if Olid can successfully implement her ideas, United could emerge as a very different proposition in the years ahead.
"We know that can have risks"
Perhaps the most revealing part of Olid's message is that she isn't hiding from the risks involved.
Playing attacking football can leave teams exposed, particularly against the WSL's strongest sides.
But that isn't something she wants her players to fear.
"The club wanted to play attractive football and be brave. We know that can have risks but the club support me in that."
That backing could be crucial.
For a new manager attempting to change a team's identity, having the club fully behind the process gives Olid the opportunity to build something rather than constantly having to prioritise immediate results.
The first test arrives immediately
Olid won't have long to wait before discovering exactly how difficult the WSL can be.
It will be the first opportunity to see whether the new manager's ideas have already started to translate onto the pitch.
Nobody should expect the finished product after one match.
But supporters will be watching closely for signs of what Olid wants United to become — from their approach in possession to how aggressively they press and attack.
A new manager, a new philosophy and a new season.
For Manchester United Women, the Eva Olid era is officially underway.