BREAKING NEWS: I am VERY DEPRESSED. This morning, it was announced that Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has removed Bruno Fernandez as captain. A new captain has also been appointed.

Maya Le Tissier, who joined Manchester United from Brighton & Hove Albion two years ago, has swiftly become a key figure in the team’s defense. Her consistency, reliability, and skill on the pitch have solidified her as a cornerstone of the squad.

Recently, she was appointed the club’s captain, a role she embraces with great pride. “I am deeply honored to be named captain of this amazing club. I am excited to lead the team both on and off the pitch with great pride,” Le Tissier expressed regarding her new responsibilities.

Her elevation to captaincy follows the departure of Katie Zelem, who led the team since 2019 and guided them to an FA Cup victory before moving to Angel City FC in the NWSL after her contract ended. Le Tissier’s impressive performances, including her strong defensive partnership with Millie Turner, were instrumental in helping Manchester United achieve a Women’s Super League record of 14 clean sheets during the 2022/23 season, which earned them a second-place finish in the league.

Le Tissier’s club success has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. After England’s Euro 2022 win, she earned a senior national team call-up and made four appearances for the Lionesses. Although she was on standby for the 2023 World Cup and traveled with the team to Australia, she did not get any game time.

Despite her strong form, her progress in the national team has been slightly hampered by England manager Sarina Wiegman, who primarily sees her as a full-back rather than her preferred center-back position.

At the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, Le Tissier was jointly awarded Manchester United’s Players’ Player of the Year alongside Ella Toone, who has been named vice-captain. Under the previous captain, Zelem, Manchester United did not have a formal vice-captain, though Hayley Ladd often stepped in during Zelem’s absence. Now, both Le Tissier and Toone are seen as vital to the club’s future success.

In addition to her captaincy, Le Tissier recently signed a contract extension that will keep her at Manchester United until 2028. Toone, United’s all-time leading appearance maker and top scorer, is under contract until the end of the next season. Le Tissier’s rise to captain reflects Manchester United’s trust in her leadership abilities, and she is expected to play a crucial role in guiding the team in the upcoming seasons.