Perhaps the most significant changes at United have come off the pitch.
Olid explained that the club had navigated a “transitional period” and had taken part in serious discussions after a five-goal home defeat to Chelsea.
The players needed to regain confidence, and Olid said conversations were necessary to find a solution.
“It has been a lot of hard work to change that, and a lot of honest conversations about what we could do and how we could connect,” Olid said on Sunday.
“Sometimes you need a difficult moment to react and see where the problems were [that] we had to solve as a team. It had to happen, to be the team we are now.”
The team’s early-season form had impacted individuals.
United vice-captain Ella Toone missed out on England selection for the first time under Sarina Wiegman, though she was later called into the squad as a reinforcement.
Toone responded at club level by scoring in United’s 3-1 win at Charlton in mid-October.
Summer signing Andrea Medina has grown into a crucial member of the United squad, and the international break proved valuable for Olid as she adjusted to her new role, reflected on what needed to change, and spent time on the training pitch.
England defender and United captain Maya Le Tissier was among those to return with renewed energy after impressing for her country during the break.
The backroom staff roles were also confirmed, and Olid has been able to build a group she hopes can lead United to success.
Fellow Spaniard Jose Herrera joined as assistant coach alongside Gavin Beith, who worked with Olid at former club Hearts.
Speaking about the international break, Olid said: “I had time to re-organise everything, the roles for the new staff and how we are going to work together.”
“This break, for me, was amazing. It was like a new start. It was about keeping the good energy from the last matches but then having a new start.”
Now they have proven they can compete with the best in the WSL, Olid hopes United can push on and build on their draw with City.
“We need to have our feet on the floor. This season is long and with really good teams. We need to keep improving and learning,” Olid said on Sunday.
“If we have the desire and fight we had today, not a lot of things can stop us. We still need to keep improving, but today I could see moments.”
