Maya Le Tissier and Ella Toone earn leadership roles at Man Utd as WSL club announce new captains following departure of fellow England star Katie Zelem

Zelem left the Red Devils upon the expiry of her contract, which came as a surprise to many, before joining NWSL side Angel City. The midfielder had been the club's captain for the past five years and was a mainstay in Marc Skinner's XI, with England team-mate Ella Toone the only player to have made more appearances for Man Utd's women's team since it was relaunched in 2018.

A new captain needed to be named, then, and the club announced on Tuesday that it will be another of their Lionesses who inherits the armband from Zelem, with Le Tissier taking up the honour at just 22 years old. The defender signed from Brighton back in the summer of 2022 and has been an integral member of the team ever since, with this news underlining that more than ever.

Speaking upon the announcement, Le Tissier said: "It’s an honour to be named captain of this great football club and I will wear the armband with real pride, to help drive this team to success on and off the field."

A new vice-captain has also been named, with that role to be taken by another England star in Toone. The creative midfielder is the Red Devils' all-time appearance holder and all-time top goal-scorer.

Le Tissier's first opportunity to lead out this team as captain will come on September 21, when Man Utd start the new Women's Super League season at home to West Ham.