How United Women's signings might fit in
On Wednesday, Maya Le Tissier became the fourth new arrival for Manchester United Women ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The 20-year-old has signed a three-year deal and joins from south-coast side Brighton, pointing to a clear focus on both youth and experience in recruitment.
And fans will soon see our new players in action as pre-season preparations get underway for Marc Skinner’s side.
The Reds are set to take on French giants Paris Saint-Germain in less than a month at the AMOS Cup.
With plenty of players still competing in the UEFA Women’s Euros 2022 this month, Skinner may need to call upon his new arrivals to lead the way.
How and where can these newcomers fit in at the club? Let's explore...
And fans will soon see our new players in action as pre-season preparations get underway for Marc Skinner’s side.
The Reds are set to take on French giants Paris Saint-Germain in less than a month at the AMOS Cup.
With plenty of players still competing in the UEFA Women’s Euros 2022 this month, Skinner may need to call upon his new arrivals to lead the way.
How and where can these newcomers fit in at the club? Let's explore...
Maya Le Tissier: The signing interview Video
Maya Le Tissier: The signing interview
New signing Maya is eager to get to work at United, as she explains in this exclusive first interview...
MAYA LE TISSIER
Our most recent newcomer, Le Tissier, already bodes a wealth of WSL experience despite her young age. There is no denying that her arrival alone immediately strengthens United’s backline.
Where she fits into the defence depends on any potential further signings from the club – but it would be unsurprising to see Le Tissier at the heart of the action from the off.
Her versatility will no doubt be called into action at one point or another, but it is very possible that both she and Ona Batlle will be a full-back force to be reckoned with over the coming season.
Aside from being strong defensively, specifically with her positional awareness, she also helps to build play from the back by holding her width on the wings.
Le Tissier is a true modern full-back and Skinner is likely to play to her strengths by using her in that position as she settles in at the club.
Our most recent newcomer, Le Tissier, already bodes a wealth of WSL experience despite her young age. There is no denying that her arrival alone immediately strengthens United’s backline.
Where she fits into the defence depends on any potential further signings from the club – but it would be unsurprising to see Le Tissier at the heart of the action from the off.
Her versatility will no doubt be called into action at one point or another, but it is very possible that both she and Ona Batlle will be a full-back force to be reckoned with over the coming season.
Aside from being strong defensively, specifically with her positional awareness, she also helps to build play from the back by holding her width on the wings.
Le Tissier is a true modern full-back and Skinner is likely to play to her strengths by using her in that position as she settles in at the club.
GRACE CLINTON
In Clinton, United have signed a young player with mountains of potential.
The midfielder brings ‘innovation and creativity’ in the words of Reds boss Skinner, potentially alluding to her learning under Ella Toone who often operates in the no.10 role.
Cup matches could be where Clinton finds most of her minutes in her first season, possibly with some appearances coming off the bench in the WSL.
While there is still a way to go in her development, she has the resilience and the determination to show that she is ready to help United going forward.
In Clinton, United have signed a young player with mountains of potential.
The midfielder brings ‘innovation and creativity’ in the words of Reds boss Skinner, potentially alluding to her learning under Ella Toone who often operates in the no.10 role.
Cup matches could be where Clinton finds most of her minutes in her first season, possibly with some appearances coming off the bench in the WSL.
While there is still a way to go in her development, she has the resilience and the determination to show that she is ready to help United going forward.
Zelem: I'm so proud to extend my deal Video
Zelem: I'm so proud to extend my deal
United Women captain Katie Zelem is thrilled to extend her stay at the club...
ADRIANNA LEON
For a while now, United’s core options on the wing have always been Leah Galton and Kirsty Hanson.
The arrival of Leon will therefore allow for some much-needed depth in that position, as well as new ideas going forward.
Not only is she a seasoned international, and recent Olympic gold medallist, but she is also familiar with the WSL.
Leon enjoys playing as a wide forward and will often play on the shoulder of the defender. In doing so, she either becomes an outlet for the ball, or will open up space for team-mates by drawing defenders towards her.
She also brings a great deal of versatility to the club, finding joy across the front three and even dropping back into a creative midfield role.
For a while now, United’s core options on the wing have always been Leah Galton and Kirsty Hanson.
The arrival of Leon will therefore allow for some much-needed depth in that position, as well as new ideas going forward.
Not only is she a seasoned international, and recent Olympic gold medallist, but she is also familiar with the WSL.
Leon enjoys playing as a wide forward and will often play on the shoulder of the defender. In doing so, she either becomes an outlet for the ball, or will open up space for team-mates by drawing defenders towards her.
She also brings a great deal of versatility to the club, finding joy across the front three and even dropping back into a creative midfield role.
Grace Clinton: The signing interview Video
Grace Clinton: The signing interview
United Women's new recruit Grace Clinton discusses becoming a Red, experience at Everton and more...
RACHEL WILLIAMS
The 34-year-old can come into the side as both another option going forward, and as a mentor to younger players. She has a wealth of experience in top-flight English football, playing for multiple clubs.
And, importantly, she knows what it is like to work with Skinner. The pair previously worked together during their time at Birmingham City.
For many managers, it can be important to bring in players that know their playing style, philosophies and methods, and can help demonstrate those.
Williams’s role off the pitch could be equally as important as her role on it.
Slowly but surely, Skinner is building a squad that is buying into his ideas and his philosophies, and show as much on the pitch.
That is, in essence, one of the fundamentals of building a successful team.
The 34-year-old can come into the side as both another option going forward, and as a mentor to younger players. She has a wealth of experience in top-flight English football, playing for multiple clubs.
And, importantly, she knows what it is like to work with Skinner. The pair previously worked together during their time at Birmingham City.
For many managers, it can be important to bring in players that know their playing style, philosophies and methods, and can help demonstrate those.
Williams’s role off the pitch could be equally as important as her role on it.
Slowly but surely, Skinner is building a squad that is buying into his ideas and his philosophies, and show as much on the pitch.
That is, in essence, one of the fundamentals of building a successful team.
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