Maya Le Tissier scores Manchester United’s first Champions League goal as Marc Skinner hails defender’s leadership

Manchester United coach Marc Skinner shut down speculation over Maya Le Tissier’s England future after the defender scored the winner in the club’s UEFA Women’s Champions League debut.

“Your next question is probably ‘should she start for England’,” Skinner said. “I am not here to answer that.”

Le Tissier, who has become one of the most reliable defenders in the Women’s Super League, made her 71st consecutive league appearance in last week’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea. Despite her consistency, she has earned just eight England caps since her first call-up in November 2022.

A rock at the back

The 23-year-old marshalled a defence that conceded just 16 goals across 22 games last season—the second-best record in the WSL. This term, she already leads the league in clearances (34) and touches (444).

Although Sarina Wiegman often deploys her at right-back, Le Tissier’s club form as a centre-back, plus injuries to Leah Williamson and Lucy Bronze, could open the door for her to feature in England’s upcoming fixtures against Brazil and Australia.

Historic Champions League goal

On Wednesday night at Leigh, Le Tissier calmly converted a first-half penalty to secure a 1-0 win over Norwegian side Valerenga, scoring United’s first-ever Champions League goal.

“She is at the top of her game and has been for a long time,” Skinner said. “She is an incredible footballer and a driven personality. When she gets her opportunity, she will be an incredible England stalwart.”

Unlike men’s coach Ruben Amorim, who avoids watching penalties, Skinner said he never doubted Le Tissier would score:

“When she steps up I feel confident. She practices them, she’s calm with them, and I trust her technique 100%. She’s a rock for us, and it’s fitting she got the first goal.”

Looking ahead

United’s Champions League campaign continues against Atletico Madrid, who thrashed SV Polten 6-0, before tougher tests against PSG, Lyon, and Juventus.

Skinner reminded his squad of the rapid growth of United’s women’s side, which was only founded eight years ago:

“This is a special group and there is special expectation on a Manchester United team. We weren’t happy even though we won our first game in Europe and got three points. We want more. That’s a good sign.”