VERY SAD Bruno Fernandez news has been announced this morning as Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has stripped him off the Captain Batch and the new Captain has been named. A FLOP without discipline can’t be leading a Squad.
Maya Le Tissier has been announced as the new captain of Manchester United for the 2024/25 season, succeeding Katie Zelem, who departed from the club earlier this summer. Zelem, who had led the team since 2019, left after her contract expired in June, just after lifting the FA Cup. She is now set to embark on a new chapter with Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Le Tissier’s promotion to captain is a significant milestone in her career. Since joining Manchester United from Brighton & Hove Albion two years ago, she has made a strong impression as a center-back, earning the respect and trust of both her teammates and the coaching staff through her consistent performances. Reflecting on her new role, Le Tissier expressed her gratitude and dedication, stating, “It is an honour to be appointed captain of this wonderful football club, and I will wear the armband with great pride to help lead this squad to victory both on and off the pitch.” Her commitment extends beyond her on-field responsibilities, aiming to be a guiding presence for the team in all areas.
Zelem’s departure leaves a significant gap in leadership, especially after she helped the club secure notable achievements, including their FA Cup victory. As she moves on to a new venture in the U.S., Le Tissier takes on the captaincy during a transformative period for Manchester United. Known for her maturity and calm under pressure, Le Tissier has formed a formidable defensive partnership with Millie Turner. Together, they were crucial to Manchester United achieving a record-setting 14 clean sheets in the 2022/23 Women’s Super League (WSL), contributing to the team’s impressive second-place finish.
On the international stage, Le Tissier’s reputation continues to grow. After England’s triumph at the Euro 2022, she received her first senior call-up. Although she was part of the standby squad for the 2023 World Cup and traveled to Australia, she did not play in the tournament. Her versatility has posed a challenge for her international career, as England manager Sarina Wiegman has primarily considered her for the full-back role she played at Brighton, rather than her preferred position as a center-back. This role ambiguity has slowed her progress with the national team, but at just 22, her international future remains promising.
Le Tissier’s rapid rise within Manchester United has not gone unnoticed. She was named the joint Players’ Player of the Year for the 2023/24 season, sharing the accolade with Ella Toone. Toone, another key player for the team, has now been appointed vice-captain, marking a shift in the club’s leadership strategy, as no formal deputy existed under Zelem’s captaincy. Hayley Ladd had often filled in as captain when needed, but the decision to officially name Toone as vice-captain underscores the club’s emphasis on fostering leadership from within.
Le Tissier’s future with Manchester United looks bright. She recently signed a new long-term contract, committing her to the club until 2028, reflecting her dedication to the team’s future success. Toone also has a long-term deal, having extended her contract in 2022 to stay until the end of the upcoming season. Toone’s importance to the team is clear, as she holds the record for the most goals and appearances for Manchester United, with 53 goals in 164 matches.
Together, Le Tissier and Toone are poised to be pivotal figures in Manchester United’s pursuit of success in the coming years. Their leadership on the pitch and commitment to the club are vital to Manchester United’s aspirations for continued domestic and European success. As the new season begins, the spotlight will be on how Le Tissier and Toone guide the team towards new achievements, building on Zelem’s legacy and ushering in a new era for the club.
