Man United captain Maya Le Tissier is proud to wear the armband as the side enter Champions League qualifiers.
Le Tissier, 22, took the captaincy responsibility in summer of 2024 following the departure of former skipper Katie Zelem. The centre back had an immense campaign for Manchester United during the 2024/25 season, leading them to a third place finish in the Women’s Super League.
Telling The Halfway Line what she has learnt about herself since taking the armband, Le Tissier said
“It’s been massive,” Le Tissier said. “Obviously, I was at the club when we played Champions League last time, so feel like I’ve got a lot of experience now.
“I play most games, and that’s what I want to do. I want to be consistent and play every game no matter what the game is. So, I’ve learned a lot, definitely, especially after getting the arm band, it’s been a really good opportunity for me.
“There has been tough at times as well, but I think I’ve really enjoyed just having the opportunity. That’s where we want to be. I want to be playing these big games, leading the team out. I’ve definitely learned a lot about myself, and I’m sure there’ll be many more things as well.”
Champions League the stuff of dreams says Le Tissier
Across the men’s game, there have been many big football names that have led out Manchester United on a European night. Le Tissier relishes in the opportunity to do the same, expressing her excitement as the side prepare to face PSV Eindhoven in the opening round of Champions League qualifiers.
“It’s exciting thing,” Le Tissier expressed. “These are things that you dream of, playing Champions League. You grow up watching the men’s tournament and you always think when the music comes on, you want to be a part of that. So, yeah, that’s exciting.”
If United are to beat PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, they will face the winner of Hammarby or Metelist in the final of the first round of Champions League qualifiers.
The United captain said the side are ready to face the pressure, but won’t let the result derail their goals for the 2024/25 campaign.
“We want to win the game, but it doesn’t define our season,” Le Tissier said. “We’ve not even started the season yet, so I think that’d be a pretty bold statement for that to happen.
“Of course we want to be playing Champions League rather than League Cup, but these are competitions that we want to win. So, we’ll go into every game looking to win the game, and it’s a good opportunity for the first game of seasons to be Champions League.
“This is what we want to happen every season. So no, it doesn’t define our season, but we want to win.”
