Maya Le Tissier: Is it time for Man Utd ‘rock’ to start for England?
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner was quick to shut down the obvious line of questioning about match winner Maya Le Tissier after the club’s Champions League debut.
“Your next question is probably ‘should he go to England?'” he said. “I’m not here to answer that.”
Despite being one of the Women’s Super League’s most consistent defenders and scoring a record 71st consecutive performance in last week’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, central defensive anchor Le Tissier has had limited impact at international level.
Overshadowed by Le Tissier, United had the WSL’s second-best defense last season and conceded just 16 goals in 22 games.
The United captain was rewarded with a place in Sarina Wiegman’s Euro 2025 squad but did not play a single minute in Switzerland as the Lionesses retained their European title.
Eight appearances since his first call-up in November 2022 is inadequate reward for a player of his ability. In the WSL this season, Le Tissier ranks first for most passes (34) and most touches (444).
Wiegman said that although he played at centre-back for United, he preferred right-back Le Tissier.
However, injuries to England captain and centre-back Leah Williamson and right-back Lucy Bronze will give Le Tissier the chance to play in Weigman’s matches against Brazil and Australia at the end of this month, with the Dutch woman to name her squad next week.
Skinner was unwilling to join the fray, but was happy to extol the virtues of the 23-year-old, who held his nerve to convert the first-half penalty that secured victory over Norwegian outfit Valerenga at Leigh in the league’s first tier opener.
“HE [at the top of her game] and has been for a long time,” he said.
“I’m starting him for a reason. He’s an incredible footballer and has a driven personality. When he gets his opportunity, he’ll be one of England’s incredible stalwarts and someone who will make his country proud.
“He’s a great player. I’m not going to answer the other question.”
