Manchester United midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme believes the club has reached the point where simply challenging for trophies is no longer enough — the target now is to win the Women’s Super League.
United open their 2026–27 WSL campaign on Friday against newly promoted London City Lionesses, with Zigiotti Olme making it clear that lifting the league trophy is firmly on her mind.
The Swedish midfielder, who joined Manchester United after previously playing for Brighton & Hove Albion and Bayern Munich, was an important part of United’s midfield last season. She made 20 WSL appearances, including 17 starts, scoring twice and providing two assists.
Now, with a new manager and a dramatically strengthened league, Zigiotti Olme sees an opportunity for United to take another step forward.
Manchester United appointed Eva Olid as their new head coach following the departure of Marc Skinner. Olid has spoken about creating a more attacking, possession-oriented style while also developing young players — a change that could give United a different identity this season.
“It’s time” for United to go after the league title, according to the message surrounding Zigiotti Olme’s ambitions as the campaign begins.
The challenge, however, will be enormous.
WSL title race gets tougher
The new WSL season is bigger than ever, with the competition expanded to 14 teams. Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic have joined the top flight, adding more matches and another layer of unpredictability to the title race.
Manchester City begin the campaign as defending champions after winning their first WSL title in a decade last season, while Arsenal and Chelsea remain among the leading contenders.
London City Lionesses have also transformed their ambitions after major investment and a series of headline-making signings, including two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, Mapi León and former England goalkeeper Mary Earps. Their opening-day meeting with United therefore carries considerably more intrigue than a typical newly promoted side versus established contender matchup.
A new chapter for Manchester United
United’s recent history shows that the club is capable of reaching the top end of English women’s football, but the league championship has remained out of reach.
The club’s first major trophy came with the 2024 Women’s FA Cup, while its best WSL finish remains second place in 2022–23. United also reached the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 2025–26.
Last season, however, United finished fourth in the WSL and missed out on European qualification, adding pressure to the club’s summer rebuild. Several established players departed, while new arrivals were brought in as Olid began reshaping the squad around her approach.
For Zigiotti Olme, the priority is straightforward: turn United’s progress into silverware.
The midfielder has already shown she can influence important matches. In February, she scored the opening goal in United’s 2–0 victory over Leicester City, a result that helped close the gap on then-leaders Manchester City.
But the 2026–27 campaign presents a completely different challenge.
With City defending their crown, Arsenal and Chelsea strengthening, and ambitious London City Lionesses entering the league with enormous expectations, United will need consistency from the opening whistle.
And that is precisely where Zigiotti Olme’s title ambition will be tested.
Manchester United’s first answer comes Friday, when they travel to face London City Lionesses in a sold-out WSL opener.
The title dream is clear. The question now is whether United’s new era can finally turn that dream into reality.
WWC ONE MEDIA MJE
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