New Manchester United signing Maya Le Tissier impressed on her competitive debut for the club on Saturday.
Although a record crowd turned out to see United’s Lioness stars, Le Tissier stole the headlines when he scored twice in the Reds’ 4-0 win over Reading.
Her boss, Marc Skinner, praised the 20-year-old, who he says will be an integral part of the team’s success this year.
“She will be a key part of what we do in the future. My job is to keep her normal, but she can be a real star in the future.”
He continued: “Both finishes were exquisite and cultured.
“In many moments today, she was mature and aggressive when she needed to be. We’re not just going to get goals from her, but solid performances from behind and progression on the ball.
“He has the ability to play forward and he can hit the ball well. His passing range is excellent. The maturity and concentration of him, he has a lot of tools.”
The Guernsey-born defender signed a three-year deal for the club in the summer after they triggered a buyout clause in her contract with Brighton that was thought to be worth £50,000.
He scored a looping heeled volley from an early corner followed by a header, but added another layer to United’s game with his precise and forward-thinking passes from behind.
With so many European Cup-winning Lionesses from England retiring, there could be a place in Sarina Wiegman’s World Cup squad for Le Tissier if he continues to perform like he did last weekend.
United are looking to close the gap this year and finish in the top three – the Champions League places – after finishing fourth for three consecutive years.
Le Tissier holds the record for the most WSL appearances by a teenager and has played for England at youth level.
United play West Ham at the weekend, and fans are expecting a similar display against the Hammers as they saw against the Royals.
