Le Tissier ready to lead the team out

Marc Skinner's side will host West Ham United at the Theatre of Dreams and will aim to start as we mean to go on, with a win on the board from the outset.

There will be a lot of emotion as the players walk out onto the pitch as new signings such as Simi Awujo and Celin Bizet hear the loyal fanbase in full voice for the first time. 

However, after stepping up as captain after the departure of Katie Zelem at the end of last season, no one will feel more pride than Maya Le Tissier. 

"It’s so special, I can’t believe it to be honest," she said, relishing such a proud moment at the weekend. "I’m honoured to be able to have this opportunity to lead this team out, to captain this team and hopefully we can get back to winning ways [after pre-season]."

Le Tissier, who scored twice on her debut back in 2022, declared Old Trafford 'the best stadium ever' as the 22-year-old prepares to skipper the team for the first time at this iconic stadium.

"It means everything. I’ve played here a couple of times now and it’s just so special, it’s the best stadium ever, this is my favourite one to play at. It’s going to be massive, hopefully my family can come as well, I just can’t wait for it.

"We’ll be ready, we can’t wait to play here and obviously, for the new girls as well, it’s going to be so special for them."

Le Tissier is feeling quietly confident that the Reds will be able to secure all three points with the help of the fans.

"Everyone knows our fans are the best, how loud they are, it’s massive," she enthused. "I think it kind of creates an atmosphere that we want to play in, that we want to do well in. We want to win for this club, and for them as well, so it’s huge and I think they’ll be really excited for the first game to be at Old Trafford so, hopefully, we can start off with three points."

And there was a simple message for those at the game, with tickets still available.

"Just do what you always do," the captain said. "Sing for us and get behind us. We do everything we can, every single game, to put on a performance and to get the three points. I think they work in the week to get to the games and we want to make sure they have a good time at the games. So I can’t wait to see them."