Dream debut: Maya Le Tissier leads Manchester United in Champions League.

Manchester United Debuts with Victory in the Women’s Champions League

The Manchester United, far from being intimidated by the “underdog” label, has started its participation in the UEFA Women’s Champions League on the right foot. Its objective is clear: to achieve as many victories as possible. The debut couldn’t have been better, becoming the only team in the Women’s Super League (WSL) to obtain a victory on the opening day, thanks to the outstanding performance of its captain, Maya Le Tissier. Meanwhile, WSL champion Chelsea drew 1-1 against FC Twente in the Netherlands, showing difficulties in finishing. For their part, Arsenal, the current champion, fell 2-1 to OL Lyonnes, the team they defeated in last season’s semi-final. Manchester United, for its part, achieved a 1-0 victory over Valerenga in its debut in the competition, with Le Tissier scoring from the penalty spot. Le Tissier, who joined the club in 2022, has become a fundamental piece for United, accumulating 71 consecutive starts in the WSL, the most of any player in the league. Furthermore, since last season, she leads the team as captain. The excitement of the Champions League also touches Le Tissier. After the disappointment of losing in the qualifying phase against Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, and the joy of coming back and defeating SK Brann to access the competition, the 23-year-old player has experienced all the emotions.

“This is where you want to be, playing in the Champions League. It meant the world to us. We have worked hard to get here; we deserve to be here, so getting the first win is something we wanted to do and we are very happy,” declared Le Tissier.

Maya Le Tissier

Le Tissier has proven to be a key player, remaining calm and leading the team. Despite his outstanding performance, his career with the England national team has not reflected his performance at club level. The player has been fundamental to United’s defensive record last season and kept a clean sheet in the first continental match. Despite this, she has only played eight matches for England.

Maya Le Tissier was key to Manchester United starting their UWCL campaign in the best way on Wednesday.Le Tissier will be crucial to keep United in the fight for the playoffs, both for his defensive ability and his leadership, keeping calm and motivating the team. Although United is considered an “underdog”, it has not been intimidated. Its focus is on winning as many games as possible to secure a place in the playoffs, placing among the top 12 teams. United is in a favorable position, with a two and three-point lead over their WSL rivals. All points will be crucial, as the new competition format has generated surprises. However, there are areas of concern, such as the lack of effectiveness in converting goal opportunities. Out of 16 shots, only seven were on target, a significant difference compared to Valerenga’s two shots on target. The lack of decisiveness could be a problem against the next rivals, such as Atletico Madrid, PSG, VfL Wolfsburg, OL Lyonnes and Juventus, who will demand the maximum from Manchester United. Although the points earned over Chelsea and Arsenal could balance out as the competition progresses, those extra points could make the difference in securing a playoff spot. Manchester United has shown that it is ready to compete in the Champions League.