Maya reveals pre-match essentials
Manchester United Women’s captain Maya Le Tissier has revealed that she’s ‘quite superstitious’ and has a pre-match routine she has to go through before kick-off.
Le Tissier made her 100th consecutive start for the Reds in Sunday’s important 2-1 win over West Ham United, which got us back on track in the Barclays WSL after two straight defeats.
Now the Reds are preparing to entertain European football royalty at the Progress with Unity Stadium, as Lyon come to town.
It’s a headline-grabbing fixture, with all-time greats like Ada Hegerberg and Wendie Renard set to be involved, but Maya’s preparation will be the same as it always is.
“One of the questions I sometimes get asked is what I do in the run-up to a match,” she told our official matchday programme.
“My build-up to the game is pretty much the same for each fixture. I tend to eat the same things, depending on kick-off time.
“I always have pancakes for pre-match with some chocolate spread, and I always have a bite of a banana.
“I am quite superstitious, and aside from the food I eat, I always like to click my neck and do the same stretching routine.”
Marc Skinner’s side have already confirmed qualification to at least the play-offs, but a third win out of three at home in this year’s competition would boost our chances of a top-four finish, which would secure a spot in spring’s quarter-finals.
Le Tissier has fond recollections of our last home game in Europe – the 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford – and hopes to create more memories tonight (Wednesday).
“To play in the Champions League is still an unreal feeling, and we all especially love being at home with the anthem playing before the game,” she added.
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“Last time out at home in this competition was a fantastic night at Old Trafford, and playing under the lights is always special. It gives you a proper feel for the Champions League and what it’s all about.
“It is everything we work towards – testing ourselves against the best opposition there is, and Lyon are definitely one of them. They have some amazing players and we are all looking forward to the challenge they will bring.”
Read more from Maya, and get the complete lowdown on the Lyon game by picking up your copy of the programme before tonight's game, for just £3.