What have Man Utd changed to turn around WSL form?

United have won six straight matches after reverting to defensive fundamentals while gradually implementing manager Olid's attacking style.

Manchester United Women have turned around their disappointing start to the WSL season, winning six consecutive matches across all competitions to sit fifth in the table, eight points behind leaders Manchester City ahead of Sunday's derby.

New manager Eva Olid, who joined in the summer, initially struggled to implement her possession-based, attacking style as the team lost their opening three league matches. After defeats to London City Lionesses and Chelsea where they managed just two shots on target and under 40% possession, Olid recognised her players were trying to do too much and had lost sight of their defensive strengths.

Following a 1-1 draw with Arsenal that showed signs of improvement, United found the balance. In their next three WSL games against West Ham, Liverpool and Charlton Athletic, they won all nine points, scored six goals, conceded just two and nearly doubled their possession percentage. They increased passes into the final third from 197 to 529 and quadrupled their shot count to 42. Off the pitch, honest team discussions after a 5-0 loss to Chelsea helped players regain confidence and understanding with their new manager. Vice-captain Ella Toone responded to missing England selection by scoring in their 3-1 win at Charlton, while summer signing Andrea Medina has become crucial to the squad.