Ian Wright hits out at Sarina Wiegman's Maya Le Tissier claim as Lionesses boss claims centre-back can play at full-back

With Millie Bright retired from international football and Leah Williamson still sidelined by injury, England are crying out for stability in defence. Yet the one player who seems tailor-made for the role continues to be overlooked. United themselves weren’t shy about making their stance clear. The club’s official social media account posted a not-so-subtle reminder of Le Tissier’s real role. “Maya Le Tissier has started 104 games for United. 103 of them have been at centre-back,” the club’s X (Twitter) account declared pointedly. That single post said it all; a gentle, but unmistakable jab at Wiegman’s puzzling position. The only time Le Tissier has played at right-back for United came in a Women’s League Cup group clash against Durham in October 2022, when injuries forced manager Marc Skinner to reshuffle his back line. Since then, Skinner has built his defence entirely around her, even handing her the captain’s armband, proof of her leadership and consistency at the heart of the team.

However, Wiegman doubled down on her decision, saying: "She plays centre-back every single game and has good performances, but for us her first position is still as a right full-back. But we also know she can play centre-back."

Wright didn’t mince his words when reacting to Wiegman’s comments. “Most consistent CB in the league. I don’t understand,” Wright fired. 

It’s not hard to see why. Since joining Manchester United in 2022, Le Tissier has transformed herself into one of the most dependable central defenders in England. Her commanding displays last season saw United boast the second-best defensive record in the WSL, conceding only 16 goals in 22 matches, and keeping an astonishing 13 clean sheets. Despite those numbers, Wiegman has shown little inclination to build her defence around Le Tissier.  

The numbers back it all up. This season alone, Le Tissier leads the WSL for most clearances (34) and most touches (444), as data recorded until October 9. United’s back line, anchored by her, has conceded just three goals in six league games, making them the joint-best defence alongside Chelsea. Her individual excellence was recognised last term when she was named in the 2024–25 PFA Team of the Year, lining up alongside Millie Bright, the very player she could now be replacing for England.

After United’s Women’s Champions League victory over Valerenga, Skinner couldn’t help but heap praise on his defensive leader, even if he stopped short of directly challenging the England boss.

"She is [at the top of her game] and has been for a long time," he said. "I start her for a reason. She is an incredible footballer and a driven personality. When she gets her opportunity, she will be an incredible England stalwart and someone who will give the country pride. She is a fantastic player. When she steps up I feel confident. I am not one of these managers who looks away. You are at the mercy of technique and composure and mental acumen, not whether the wind is blowing in the wrong direction. She practices them and is calm with them. I trust her technique 100%."

Wiegman has long been praised for her tactical discipline and loyalty to her system. However, her rigidity is now under the scanner. With the Lionesses set to face Brazil and Australia in their upcoming homecoming friendlies on October 25 and 28, the calls for change are only growing louder. Will Wiegman pay heed to the demands? Only time will tell.