Man Utd confirm key defender squad number switch ahead of WSL season

Manchester United have confirmed that key defender Maya Le Tissier will wear a new squad number next season.

The 21-year-old defender had an outstanding first season in red, playing alongside Millie Turner in a back four that had the defensive record in the Women's Super League (WSL).

Shockingly, Le Tissier was omitted from England's final FIFA World Cup squad despite her impressive debut campaign with United, where she wore the shirt number 15 shirt throughout, however, this has now been handed to summer signing Gemma Evans, the club have announced.

That means that the Lionesses defender will sport the number 4 shirt this term, which has been vacated after the departure of Jade Moore. The squad number has previously been sported by other United favourites such as Amy Turner and the confirmed Le Tissier's squad number switch as the team return to Carrington yesterday for pre-season training.

Manchester United face an opening day away trip to Aston Villa on October 1, which will be screened live on the BBC, as the WSL gets underway at Villa Park. United will then face a mouthwatering clash with title rivals Arsenal the following week as former player Alessia Russo returns to Leigh Sports Village with her new club on Sunday 8 October (kick off: 12pm).