It’s unlikely that Maya Le Tissier didn’t see the discourse around her going into Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid. After Sarina Wiegman said she saw the Red Devils’ captain as more of a right-back, rather than a centre-back, the conversation was unavoidable, with everyone from Ian Wright to the Man Utd social media admin getting involved to wonder just why the England boss doesn’t see Le Tissier as a serious contender for a starting role in the heart of the Lionesses defence. Perhaps it even served as fuel for the player herself, because she was outstanding in the 1-0 win in Spain that maintained United’s perfect start to their first ever UWCL campaign.
Le Tissier had to be brilliant, too, because her team were up against it for almost an hour after an incredibly controversial red card for Dominique Janssen. Until that point, United had enjoyed the better of a competitive game, taking the lead midway through the first half when Fridolina Rolfo thumped home a powerful volley for her first goal for the club. But everything changed once Janssen was sent off just before half time for a challenge that, while unfortunately causing a serious-looking injury to Gio Garbelini, did not look worthy of such a punishment.
It was all about the defensive effort in the second period for United then, who had to deploy Gabby George in the unnatural position of centre-back to make up for Janssen’s absence. Fortunately, she had Le Tissier next to her and the captain led by example in an incredibly formidable display. There were plenty of other top performers too, be it goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who made a particularly brilliant save to deny the lively Luany; the midfield duo of Julia Zigiotti Olme and Hinata Miyazawa, whose covering in front of the defence was so often vital; or Leah Galton, whose wonderful energy from the bench would actually create a moment that evened the numbers back out 15 minutes from time, as she burst past Alexia Fernandez before being brought down by the already-booked defender.
Even without Janssen’s dismissal, it could’ve been more comfortable for United. Melvine Malard had a huge chance just past the half hour mark that she stabbed wide and the Frenchwoman really should’ve put the result beyond doubt in the final few minutes, only to curl another effort off target. Fortunately, the Red Devils wouldn’t rue those misses, hanging on to follow up their historic win over Valerenga last week with another in Madrid.
GOAL rates Manchester United’s players from the Centro Deportivo Wanda Alcala de Henares…
