Man Utd and England star reveals why Manchester move helped international career

Le Tissier made her first start for the Lionesses at the CBS Arena in Coventry, playing the full 90 minutes as England made it two wins from two with a 2-1 win over Italy in the Arnold Clark Cup.

The Manchester United centre half was deployed at right back and was one of the Lionesses’ stand out performers as two superb Rachel Daly headers handed them the win in front of a record crowd of 32, 128.

“I really enjoyed it. I think it helps the team being able to play in different positions and I am just happy to get the chance to play. It was really enjoyable out there today” said the 20-year-old Red Devils defender, who admitted she revelled playing in front of the capacity crowd in the Midlands.

“It was incredible to be honest. The fans and support we have are insane and helps the girls bring success. Credit to all of them and the staff because they have created this for the younger ones coming through and it is up to us to make it even better.”

Signed from Brighton in the summer, the defender has been one of Manchester United’s stand out performers in this season’s Women’s Super League with her excellent form increasing her chances of being included in this summer’s World Cup squad.

Speaking to ManchesterWorld, Le Tissier pinpointed the summer move to Marc Skinner’s side as key for her growth over the past six months.

“It was completely different making the move from Brighton to United. It is a complete change but one that I think I needed and it has really challenged me in a good way. It has been a really good move for me so far and we just need to keep working hard at club and playing well at club and this is where you get the opportunites.

“It has been an incredible experience and, of course, having some Manchester United mates with me as well has made it a little bit easier and I have enjoyed the experience so far.”

“It’s key to have competitive games and be able to rotate players. It is really good for the likes of me and the other younger players coming through and good that Sarina (Wiegman) gives us our chance. It is our job to take that with both hands and see what we can do with it but competitive games really do put a little bit more extra pressure on us - which is what we need to go into the World Cup where we will perform on the biggest stage in the world. I think it is really good for us to have that stepping stone.”