Maya Le Tissier: Marc Skinner hails Man United “rock” after big win vs. Valerenga | OneFootball

Manchester United boss has showered praise on skipper Maya Le Tissier after she led the club to a 1-0 victory over Norwegian side Valerenga.

United beat Valerenga

United secured a winning Champions League debut as they beat Valerenga 1-0 at Leigh on Wednesday evening.

In what was United’s first appearance in the competition, Le Tissier’s first-half penalty was enough to see off Valerenga and get the hosts’ campaign on a very positive note.

Skinner’s side dominated large spells of the game but were frustrated by Valerenga’s stubborn and compact defensive unit.

However, they got their breakthrough when Arna Eiriksdottir was judged to have handled a pass from summer signing Julia Zigiotti Olme.

Le Tissier stepped up to take the spot-kick and made no mistake as she sent Tove Enblom the wrong way.

After the final whistle, a delighted Skinner was hugely complimentary of Le Tissier, describing the captain as a “rock” for the team.

Skinner hails Le Tissier

Skinner said [as quoted by the Independent], “You see how much it means to her playing with the big dogs.”

“She’s a great character and has a real calmness to take that penalty. She’s a rock for us and it’s fitting that she got the first goal.”

On United’s upcoming fixtures against Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Wolfsburg, Lyon and Juventus, Skinner remarked, “I think we need about nine to 12 points to get into that pack.”

“Of course we would like more but we are playing some incredible teams, so it was important to get three points to start the campaign, especially at home.”

“You’ve got to pick up points, even if you don’t play well, but I thought we played well enough tonight to deserve the points.”

He added about the game, “We had enough chances to be really comfortable and probably haven’t been as clinical as we needed to but, overall, it’s our first night in Europe.”

“It’s three points and a clean sheet, so we we’re happy with that.”

Meanwhile, United are back in action on Sunday when they take on Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images

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