In Focus: Le Tissier looking the part for Skinner's Red Devils

Maya Le Tissier has made an impressive start to the new Women's Super League season.

The Manchester United defender caught the eye in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Arsenal, causing the Gunners problems with her long-range passing.

She has already established herself as a key player for the title hopefuls aged just 21.

Ahead of United's Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain, we take a look at Le Tissier's importance to Marc Skinner.

On the ball

Only four players — Millie Bright, Mackenzie Arnold, Jennifer Beattie and Rachael Laws — have completed more long passes than Le Tissier (17) in the WSL this term.

With a passing accuracy of 87.6%, few English top-flight players are more dependable with the ball at their feet.

Le Tissier is able to drive forward from the back, too, ranking third in the division this season for total carries (97) with a progressive distance of 283 yards.

Bright future

After a positive first season with United, Le Tissier will be looking to develop further in 2023-24 as Skinner's team aim to end Chelsea's run of four successive league titles.

The former Brighton youngster clearly has big ambitions.

She said: "At Brighton, I got a lot of game time and experience in the WSL. 

"Even playing for United, I wasn't expecting to get so many games and I'm happy I've had the opportunity to do so.

"No one really knew me when I came from Brighton, so it was quite a big jump. But I get on with Marc [Skinner] really well — he was the one who brought me in and he's really challenged me.

"Every single day I'm trying to get better and better at little things and I think my game's definitely come on.

"We're always looking to win — hopefully we can win everything."

Instant impact

Le Tissier quickly made her mark for United, scoring a brace on her league debut against Reading last season.

And only Alex Greenwood (1916) had more touches of the ball than the centre-back (1764) in 2022-23.

The Red Devils' No4 was also second in the division — again to Greenwood — for passes completed (1391), providing further evidence of her confidence and ability to take responsibility in a team with high expectations.

Lion in wait

Given her impressive displays at club level, it is no surprise that England manager Sarina Wiegman has taken notice.

Le Tissier earned her first cap for the Lionesses last year and now has two to her name — although she missed out on the squad for the World Cup.

She said: "I just need to focus on playing football and getting better. 

"I'm still young so I've got a lot of things to learn and improve on, so if I can do that, that'll put me in the best place to be selected.

"I've still got a long way to go, so it's exciting to see what happens in the future."

As Le Tissier prepares to face PSG in the Champions League, the future certainly looks bright for one of the WSL's most talented young players.