Manchester United head into a Champions League qualifier against PSV on Wednesday night with Maya Le Tissier set to captain the side for the first time in Europe’s premier competition.
Le Tissier has worn the armband for United since 2024, but this is the moment she has long prepared for: leading the team in a Champions League match. The defender joined United from Brighton & Hove Albion in July 2022 and was named captain two years later. On Wednesday, the 23-year-old will lead United out as they bid to begin the European campaign on a high.
“I’ve learnt a lot,” Le Tissier said of her leadership role. “It’s been massive. I want to be consistent and play every game, no matter what the match is. Getting the armband has been a great opportunity, and there’ll be plenty more to learn.” She started all 22 Women’s Super League games last season and wore the captain’s armband for every one of them, underscoring her growing influence both on and off the pitch.
Le Tissier has also been central to England’s Euro 2025 success, a milestone she has celebrated alongside teammates. Manchester United recently honoured Ella Toone, Grace Clinton and Le Tissier for their Wembley triumph with a special gift, highlighting the club’s pride in its women’s team.
This week marks Le Tissier’s first European captaincy, a test she will embrace as United take on PSV. The Gdansk-tinged challenge will be a gauge of United’s cohesion and readiness under the new-look setup this season.
United’s transfer window has brought two notable Swedish additions to bolster the squad: Julia Zigiotti Olme and Fridolina Rolfö. Both players are expected to be in the starting XI against PSV as United seek to translate their domestic growth into European progress. Grace Clinton is also expected to remain with United, despite links to other clubs, helping maintain continuity for Le Tissier in the heart of the defence and in wide areas.
The club opened its Women’s Super League campaign against Leicester City and will hope to build on a winter-spring squad that now features a blend of youth and experience. The 2025 season promises a balance of energy, technique and leadership, with Le Tissier at the helm as United navigate Champions League football for the first time in this era with a refreshed squad.
What to watch: Le Tissier’s decision-making and composure on the ball will be crucial in tying together United’s defense and attack, especially against PSV’s organized pressing. The new signings bring pace, creativity and goals, offering a wider range of attacking options and a more flexible system for manager’s tactical plans.
Overall, United appear well placed to take a positive step in Europe as Le Tissier embraces her first Champions League captaincy behind a reinvigorated squad. The night should offer a clear indication of how far the club has come and how far it can go in this campaign. If Le Tissier leads with confidence and the newcomers adapt quickly, United will be aiming to press PSV hard and set the tone for a spirited European season.