It's unlikely that Maya Le Tissier didn't see the discourse around her going into Manchester United's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid. After Sarina Wiegman said she saw the Red Devils' captain as more of a right-back, rather than a centre-back, the conversation was unavoidable, with everyone from Ian Wright to the Man Utd social media admin getting involved to wonder just why the England boss doesn't see Le Tissier as a serious contender for a starting role in the heart of the Lionesses defence. Perhaps it even served as fuel for the player herself, because she was outstanding in the 1-0 win in Spain that maintained United's perfect start to their first ever UWCL campaign.
Le Tissier had to be brilliant, too, because her team were up against it for almost an hour after an incredibly controversial red card for Dominique Janssen. Until that point, United had enjoyed the better of a competitive game, taking the lead midway through the first half when Fridolina Rolfo thumped home a powerful volley for her first goal for the club. But everything changed once Janssen was sent off just before half time for a challenge that, while unfortunately causing a serious-looking injury to Gio Garbelini, did not look worthy of such a punishment.
It was all about the defensive effort in the second period for United then, who had to deploy Gabby George in the unnatural position of centre-back to make up for Janssen's absence. Fortunately, she had Le Tissier next to her and the captain led by example in an incredibly formidable display. There were plenty of other top performers too, be it goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who made a particularly brilliant save to deny the lively Luany; the midfield duo of Julia Zigiotti Olme and Hinata Miyazawa, whose covering in front of the defence was so often vital; or Leah Galton, whose wonderful energy from the bench would actually create a moment that evened the numbers back out 15 minutes from time, as she burst past Alexia Fernandez before being brought down by the already-booked defender.
Even without Janssen's dismissal, it could've been more comfortable for United. Melvine Malard had a huge chance just past the half hour mark that she stabbed wide and the Frenchwoman really should've put the result beyond doubt in the final few minutes, only to curl another effort off target. Fortunately, the Red Devils wouldn't rue those misses, hanging on to follow up their historic win over Valerenga last week with another in Madrid.
GOAL rates Manchester United's players from the Centro Deportivo Wanda Alcala de Henares…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (7/10):
Made some big saves to keep a match-winning clean sheet and commanded her area confidently.
Jayde Riviere (7/10):
Defended admirably, winning six of her seven tackles to preserve
Maya Le Tissier (8/10):
Came up with so many crucial blocks and clearances as United held on with 10 players.
Dominique Janssen (5/10):
Desperately unlucky to be sent off in the first half. Had been solid in and out of possession until that point.
Anna Sandberg (6/10):
Did well in her ground duels with the lively Luany but switched off a little when the winger spun off her and was left scrambling to get back in position at times.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Julia Zigiotti Olme (8/10):
An all-round effective performance, showing quality in possession and her defensive work while also slotting in reliably at centre-back to help United see out the final few minutes of the first half.
Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):
Did a lot of really good defensive work, especially in the second half when United were under real pressure.
Ella Toone (6/10):
One of United's liveliest players before going off at the break as changes were made to make up for the red card.
Getty ImagesAttack
Melvine Malard (6/10):
Should've doubled United's lead both before and after Janssen's dismissal. Made up for that with a lot of important defensive work, though could've done more to hold the ball up and relieve the pressure on her back line at times.
Elisabeth Terland (6/10):
Worked hard and contributed well to the build-up play before going off at the break as Skinner was forced to reorganise his side.
Fridolina Rolfo (7/10):
Scored a terrific goal to break the deadlock and showed her nous as a left-back by doing a lot of good defensive work to help Sandberg out.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Gabby George (6/10):
Slotted into the slightly unfamiliar position of centre-back after Janssen was sent off. Looked a little rusty at times, given her lack of minutes since injury, but filled in well all things considered.
Lisa Naalsund (7/10):
Good in possession and offered a lot out of it, which is exactly what United needed.
Leah Galton (8/10):
Continued her return from injury when she came on just past the hour. Her running with the ball was so often the reason for the United defence getting some respite and her work tracking back was exceptional.
Rachel Williams (N/A):
Brought strength and energy up top for the final few minutes.
Marc Skinner (7/10):
Was limited in what he could do with his starting XI given the injuries to Park and Bizet but used his bench brilliantly to cope with Janssen's dismissal.
