Phallon Tullis-Joyce Shines as Manchester United’s Key Player in UEFA Women’s Champions League
As the 2025-26 UEFA Women’s Champions League enters its crucial stages, American goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce is making waves with her standout performances for Manchester United. Notably, Tullis-Joyce has achieved two clean sheets in the league phase and clinched five consecutive shutouts, dating back to the qualifiers, underscoring her remarkable skill set and critical role in the team’s defense.
Tullis-Joyce’s first match saw her keep a clean sheet against Valerenga, a game that might have gone unnoticed amid larger scorelines. However, her match against Atletico Madrid was a definitive showcase of her resilience. After a red card to teammate Dominique Jenssen left Manchester United down a player for much of the match, Tullis-Joyce’s heroics came to the fore. Despite Atletico Madrid’s pressure, which included 18 shots—compared to United’s 10—the 28-year-old delivered six crucial saves to maintain the scoreline.
A Modern Goalkeeping Talent
Hailing from New York City and a product of the University of Miami, Tullis-Joyce embodies the evolving role of the modern goalkeeper. Standing at six feet, she brings not only height but also a commanding presence that makes her a formidable force in goal. Her style isn’t about just agility; it’s about effectively covering the goal and intimidating attackers. Her ability to manage dangerous situations and eliminate risks from crosses has cemented her reputation as a clean sheet merchant.
This season represents a critical juncture for Manchester United, who are striving for a more successful campaign in the Champions League after their early exit last season against Paris Saint-Germain. Tullis-Joyce is rapidly becoming a foundational piece of the squad since joining the club in 2023, and her performances are pivotal in ensuring a stronger showing this year.
Navigating the New Format
The implementation of the Swiss model in this year’s Champions League has sparked intrigue, yielding closely contested draws and high-scoring matches. With 39 goals scored in the first matchday alone, the format presents new challenges and opportunities. United’s position in the table may favor them moving forward, particularly since their only upcoming head-to-head against fellow contenders Lyon is scheduled for December.
Having secured back-to-back victories, Tullis-Joyce now prepares for the next U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) training sessions. She has been selected as one of three goalkeepers for upcoming friendlies against Portugal and New Zealand, reflecting her growing recognition on the international stage.
International Recognition
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes commended Tullis-Joyce for her development, emphasizing the significant experiences she has gained in England. Hayes noted that Tullis-Joyce’s consistency and maturity have made her a standout candidate, especially with the retirement of former USWNT star Alyssa Naeher adding pressure on the goalkeeper position.
“Phallon is ahead at this moment in time from an experience perspective,” Hayes commented, highlighting the importance of honing talent while balancing the team dynamic as they approach the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
What’s Next for Manchester United?
Manchester United will return to Women’s Super League (WSL) action on November 2, facing Brighton Hove & Albion before resuming Champions League play against Paris Saint-Germain on November 12. Tullis-Joyce’s ongoing developments, both at the club and national levels, signal her transition into a central figure in women’s soccer, showcasing American talent on international stages.
As this season unfolds, Tullis-Joyce’s performances may prove critical not only in Manchester United’s pursuit of success but also in the broader scope of women’s soccer in the United States and globally, setting the tone for future talents in the sport.
