Marc Skinner says United are 'different but the same' as the start of the season draws closer, with one key change coming between the sticks for the Reds, as Phallon Tullis-Joyce takes over from Mary Earps.
In his first column of the new term in Saturday's matchday programme, Marc Skinner said his side wanted to try and 'emulate the success of our FA Cup win while also pushing ourselves harder in the league'.
He praised his team, saying:
“We have a young, exciting squad filled with energy and our new signings have bedded in like they have always been here. With our changes over the summer, I have described us as ‘the same but different’ and led by our new captain Maya Le Tissier, we want to push ourselves to new heights.”
Following the departure of Earps, Tullis-Joyce will step up this season, assuming the role as Skinner's first-choice shot-stopper. She made four appearances last season in the League Cup, pulling off a particularly memorable save against Liverpool.
Speaking to Matt Holt for the matchday programme, the goalkeeper said she couldn't wait to get out on the Old Trafford pitch. She was in the squad for our games at the Theatre of Dreams last season, but is still awaiting her first playing minutes at the venue.
She said: “Just being involved last year and hearing that crowd roar with support in our favour, I am really looking forward to that this season as well.
”Just being able to see all of our supporters at Old Trafford, their smiling faces, and last season the green goalkeeper jerseys were spotted everywhere in the crowd, which was really special. It is a special environment.“
The 27-year-old spoke highly of her former teammate Earps, who signed for PSG in July, as she looks to fill her shoes this season.
“She just kept the standards very high,”
Tullis-Joyce said. “That’s something to take away from her time here, and honestly she was a great laugh too.”
The American arrived at the club at the same time as Melvine Malard, who joined on loan from Lyon. The pair struck up a great friendship and Tullis-Joyce was delighted by the news that the club had signed the forward on a permanent deal this summer.
“She [Malard] is a great personality and she always comes in with a smile and is always the loudest one in the team when she comes through the door,”the goalkeeper said. “It immediately makes people laugh, so she is great for that.”
Tullis-Joyce is not the only one to feel the weight of added responsibility this season, as the departure of Katie Zelem left the captaincy open.
Maya Le Tissier has stepped up to the role with Ella Toone acting as vice captain. Le Tissier penned her first captain's column in Saturday's programme and in it she said what an honour it is to take on the role.
With several incomings and outgoings this transfer window, Le Tissier has been mindful of making sure the newcomers settle in during pre-season.
The defender said: “We have brought a number of new players into the squad over the summer who have fitted straight in with everything we stand for. For their first experience in a Manchester United shirt to be at the Theatre of Dreams will be a special one, and one they will never forget.”
The last time we hosted West Ham at Old Trafford was in the 2022/23 season, when we beat them 4-0. Can Skinner's side find similar success at the weekend to kick off their WSL campaign? There's still time to get your tickets!
To read the full interview with our goalkeeper, plus Le Tissier's column, don’t forget to pick up your new-look match programme at Old Trafford, with kick-off scheduled for 12:00 BST on Saturday 21 September.