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Manchester United’s Zigiotti Olme targets first WSL title as new season begins

From CNA · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Ongoing story
  • Manchester United midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme said the club is aiming for its first Women’s Super League title under new manager Eva Olid.
  • She expects a closely contested season as Chelsea, Arsenal and reigning champions Manchester City strengthen their squads.
  • London City Lionesses have added Alexia Putellas, Mapi León and Mary Earps, while the league expands from 12 to 14 teams.

Julia Zigiotti Olme believes Manchester United can challenge for a first Women’s Super League title as the new season begins. United will open its campaign against London City Lionesses in a sold-out game on Friday.

The WSL title has belonged to only four clubs since the league began in 2011: Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and reigning champions Manchester City. Zigiotti Olme said new manager Eva Olid has brought fresh energy and a more possession-based, attacking style to United.

I think Eva has come in with a lot of energy and a completely different football to what we have played before, so that's fun ... it's a little more possession-based, I would say, a little more attacking football, fun football.

· Julia Zigiotti OlmeShe described the changes introduced by new Manchester United manager Eva Olid.

She expects a tight competition. Chelsea, Arsenal and City have all made strong signings, while London City have added Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas, defender Mapi León and former England goalkeeper Mary Earps. London City finished sixth in their first WSL season last term and are seeking to move into the league’s top tier.

United always go in to win and we always aim high, but I think it will be very even - Chelsea, Arsenal and City have made some good signings, so I think it will be very even.

· Julia Zigiotti OlmeShe assessed United’s title prospects and the strength of their rivals.

The league will grow from 12 to 14 teams this season, with Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic promoted from WSL2. Zigiotti Olme said the expansion would require every team to keep pace, but expects the competition to remain strong.

The Swedish midfielder also cautioned that prominent overseas recruits may need time to adapt. She spent two and a half seasons at Brighton & Hove Albion and one year at Bayern Munich before joining United in July 2025. She described England’s league as particularly intense and evenly matched, and said her immediate focus remains Manchester United and Sweden rather than next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

I think that women's football is growing and becoming a bit more like men's football.

· Julia Zigiotti OlmeShe discussed the impact of major signings and increased spending in the women’s game.
About this summary

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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