Manchester United Women head coach Marc Skinner defended his team’s playing style and goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s development at the club.
USWNT manager Emma Hayes suggested that United’s style of play meant the 28-year-old, who made her international debut in the 2-0 victory over Brazil on April 5, still needed to develop in building play out from defence.
Against Brazil, Tullis-Joyce produced a compelling case to be considered as the successor to long-time national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who retired from football last year.
However, Tullis-Joyce’s debut was not without moments of vulnerability, particularly in her passing out from the back in the early stages, an area Hayes highlighted after the match.
“I mean, what more could you want as a goalkeeper — a clean sheet!” she said. “In terms of keeping the ball out the back of the net, that’s a super strength for her. Everything from set pieces to defending the cross, she did a tremendous job.
“Her next step is something I’ve been clear on: her team Man United don’t play a lot of buildup. They tend to go from back to front but her next steps is with pressure being able to make the short passes to come out.”
United goalkeeper Tullis-Joyce made her international debut this month…
