Maya Le Tissier has expressed her surprise at being named Manchester United's captain at just 22 years old, noting that her team has developed a fresh culture following an unbeaten start to the season. The England defender has guided the team to four victories and a draw since a summer of significant squad changes, which included the high-profile departures of Mary Earps, Nikita Parris, and Katie Zelem, the former captain. The squad saw six new signings, including Norwegian winger Celin Bizet from Tottenham.
"It's a really positive environment to be in right now," Le Tissier said of United. "There's a different dynamic within the team, one that's very youthful." She added, "I never imagined when I was playing back home that I'd be United's captain at 22. Even when some of our players left in the summer, I thought I might be in the running, but I'm still quite young, so I wasn't sure if [Marc Skinner] would give me the captaincy. When he did, I was incredibly excited."
Le Tissier attributes her maturity to her journey, which began when she moved away from home at 16. "My experiences have shaped me into the leader and player I am today. I'm deeply grateful for my upbringing in Guernsey. There were many challenges being from an island, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world."
Le Tissier also highlighted the impact of her United and England teammate Grace Clinton, who has scored three goals in four league games since returning from a loan spell at Tottenham. "Her loan moves have been incredibly beneficial for her," Le Tissier said. "She joined United at the same time as me and would probably admit she wasn't fully prepared. She's excelled at Bristol [City] and Spurs and is now one of our best players at United. She's seized her opportunity and returned to United performing exceptionally well. She's going to be a crucial player for both United and England."
Le Tissier is also aiming to become a pivotal player for her country. In 2023, she was on standby for the World Cup and traveled to Australia with the team but had to leave the camp before the matches began. She describes that experience as "bittersweet and really tough" but also invaluable. Le Tissier is now part of the squad preparing to face Germany in a friendly at Wembley on Friday, a rematch of the 2022 European Championship final.
For that historic match, Le Tissier was a spectator. Now, she dreams of being part of next summer's squad for the Euros in Switzerland. "It would mean everything," she says. "Playing in a major tournament with England is the dream of every player. I've been so close yet still so far, and I know I need to improve my game. We can always get better, but I'll do everything I can this season to make that squad. It would be incredibly special."
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