Emma Hayes hopes for growth in Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s game after ‘good’ Man United start leads to USA call-up

EMMA HAYES reckons there is room for even more improvement in Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s game following her Manchester United shifts 

This shot stopper, 28, has shone for the WSL side keeping five clean sheets in seven games, earning her a first call-up to the USA women’s squad.

The New York-born goalkeeper has established herself as United’s number one following Mary Earps’ departure for Paris Saint-Germain in June.

Along with Utah Royals forward Ally Sentnor, 20, she is one of two uncapped players named in Hayes’s squad. 

Her call-up came a year and nine days on from her making her Red Devils debut during the team’s 7-0 Women’s League Cup group game defeat of Everton. 

Hayes told reporters: “Her shot-stopping and her ability to cover the frame is second to none. 

“In terms of building-up with the team and connecting with the team, there is room for improvement. 

“I want to see what she looks like with the demands we place on her, all the other things you can’t see or hear through a television screen, the orchestration and organisation with other players. 

“It’s not an easy team to come into. There is a lot of unbelievable experience in here. 

“But I want to see those things and where she’s at in her development with that.”

Last term Tullis-Joyce made just four starts for United in their League Cup group stage games conceding three goals in two of those matches.  

Before joining the club she became the first choice keeper at National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side OL Reign in 2022. 

Her nine clean sheets in 26 games led to her finishing joint top for the most shutouts that year, with her team winning the NWSL Shield. 

And the goalkeeper, whose team will play Everton tomorrow, has featured in all eight of Man United’s games across in the WSL and League Cup since the start of this season. 

Hayes added: “She’s had a good start to her career at Manchester United.

“I know the demands that will be placed on her in the WSL. It’s a good experience for her. 

“I want to try and build out the goalkeeping pool a little bit so this is a really good moment considering she plays in England and she’s very familiar with the style of play there.”

Along with Arsenal full-back Emily Fox Tullis-Joyce is one of two WSL players included Hayes’ 30-strong group. 

They will take on England and the Netherlands in their final two friendly games this year. 

The team, who won gold medals at the Paris Olympics women’s football tournament this year, will face the Lionesses at Wembley on November 30

That match, in which Hayes will oversee her side for the first time against Sarina Wiegman’s England, will be followed by a December 3 clash with the Netherlands. 

However the United States will be without three of their star forwards for their final international camp this year. 

Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory will be absent with the trio said to be carrying niggles. 

Hayes said: “It’s been a pretty tough couple of years in terms of going from back-to-back World Cups to Olympics for those players and the volume of games in particular coming back from the Olympics. 

“I think it’s fair to say all three of them have been carrying niggles.

“It’s also fair to say that they had to play through the last part in discomfort. 

“The reality is I’m vested in player welfare and I think this decision is the right one. 

“They need to get the right interventions for their niggles and the decision was taken that their welfare comes first.”