Man United's Zigiotti Olme set sights on first WSL title as season gets under way

STOCKHOLM, Sept 3 : Manchester United kick off the new Women's Super League campaign at London City Lionesses in a sold-out game on Friday and for their Sweden midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme the time has come for them to claim a first league title amid tough competition. 

Since its inception in 2011, only four teams - Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and reigning champions Manchester City - have claimed the WSL crown, but under new boss Eva Olid the 28-year-old Zigiotti Olme expects her side to make a strong challenge.

"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," she told Reuters in an online interview. 

"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." 

London City have made some marquee off-season signings, bringing in Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas and defender Mapi Leon as well as former England goalkeeper Mary Earps as they seek to break into the top rank of teams. 

"I think that women's football is growing and becoming a bit more like men's football," Zigiotti Olme said. "Money plays a part of course - London City have brought in very big names now, but then it's also important they get it together as a team."

The Londoners finished a creditable sixth in their first WSL season last term, avoiding the struggles many newly promoted sides suffer as they adapt to the top flight.

The league is expanding from 12 to 14 teams this season as Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic all make the step up from WSL2.