Phallon Tullis-Joyce was on the bench for last season's FA Cup final "She is on a trajectory to be the best in the world, I have no doubt about that." Manchester United manager Marc Skinner has not stopped praising goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce after a near-flawless season for the club. You can't blame him after her performances helped United secure a Champions League spot next season and book their place in a third successive FA Cup final. The 28-year-old American had big boots to fill when England keeper Mary Earps departed for Paris St-Germain in the summer but she has made it look easy. United hope to round-off the season with silverware when they defend their crown against Chelsea at Wembley on 18 May - and Tullis-Joyce will no doubt have her say. Earps' stature had grown so much that by the time she left United, the 32-year-old had a Euro 2022 winners' medal, two Fifa Best goalkeeper awards and a mural of herself at Old Trafford. With the departing keeper a fan favourite and a mainstay of United's starting XI, Tullis-Joyce knew it would be a challenge to pick up the baton. "I definitely knew that I was coming into a high pressure environment, especially coming after such a great goalkeeper," said Tullis-Joyce. "I think for me, that pressure was never related to Mary. I know that I am a different keeper, I never really let that affect me. "It was more the pressure of making sure that I kept to the same standard that is expected of a Manchester United goalkeeper. "I took that very seriously and that [was about] taking each moment as [if it was] a very precious one. That's really how I handled it." Phallon Tullis-Joyce (left) was back-up to Mary Earps (right) last season After signing from Seattle Reign in 2023, Tullis-Joyce had to watch on patiently before being handed her opportunity to shine for United. Few could have imagined just how impressive she would be, but she ended the WSL season with the Golden Glove award for the joint-most clean sheets (13), having also made her USA debut in a friendly win against Brazil. So rapid was her rise, United handed her athree-year contract extensionin April. But Tullis-Joyce says it has not all been smooth sailing. "There are absolutely major moments of nerves, self-doubt, and definitely some bumps and bruises along the way," said Tullis-Joyce. "But that is what has got us even further I think. All of the mistakes have led us to becoming a better, stronger team, and especially myself. "There have been moments that I look back on and cringe still watching the videos - but I see the progress that I've made and I'm pretty astounded by how much I've grown. "No matter the highs that have come and the lows that have come, you have just got to make that next step." "She's sick!" United captain Maya Le Tissier says at the sound of Tullis-Joyce's name. The centre-back says having Tullis-Joyce in goal gives her confidence and she has already become a leader within the squad. "She's an amazing person. An unbelievable goalkeeper. We lost Mary in the summer but Phallon had been training the whole of the previous season," said Le Tissier. "We knew she was going to be ready and she knew what it was going to take." Alongside departing coach Ian Willcock and the rest of the goalkeeping group, Tullis-Joyce said she spent last year as back-up "watching" and "building chemistry" with her team-mates. Away from the pitch, whenever her schedule allows, the 28-year-old spends time on her other hobbies - scuba diving, photography and collecting fossils. Pursuing those passions has taken her around the world - from Costa Rica to Egypt to Norway. "It's helped me tremendously just to have something that's completely and utterly separate from my career on the field," she said. "I even took up free diving [which involves holding your breath and travelling as far as you can underwater without the use of breathing equipment] as well. "That helped me understand my body's physiological responses to stress. I am able to sense my stress a little bit faster." Growing up in Long Island, New York, she fell in love with the ocean and went on to study marine biology at the University of Miami - something she is planning on returning to when she hangs up her gloves. "My plan post career is to go right back into the ocean and hopefully help with expanding marine protected areas to make sure that we take care of all the animals that we live with on this beautiful planet," she says. In the meantime it is local Manchester students who have benefited from her expertise as she has spent time teaching them about marine conservation as part of a club initiative. She also takes her football career very seriously. Manager Skinner revealed last month that she had wanted to be involved in the interviewing process for the club's next goalkeeping coach, saying the request epitomised her "due diligence as a person". "What she was trying to say to me is 'Marc, I trust you are doing your job right but I want to make sure this is the right person'." Tullis-Joyce's whirlwind season will come to an end with, or without, a winners' medal at Wembley this weekend. Her family are travelling to London to watch her play, then Tullis-Joyce already has a holiday booked to Barbados and the Dominican Republic to go scuba diving. Meanwhile, Skinner is already thinking ahead to the future and what Tullis-Joyce can go on to achieve with the club. From the "rawness" of the "athletic" goalkeeper he first watched at French side Reims, to the "refined" number one she has become, Skinner has high hopes for what is next. "Every day she finds something to get better at. The only criticism I have of Phallon is that she is over-critical of herself," said Skinner. "We've had to stand on her shoulders so many times. When she makes a mistake, she has to stand on ours. "She is in the perfect part of her career to go on and be the best in the world - I really do believe that. "She has that mentality. Those people break records. Phallon is one of them." Head here to get involved
The scuba diving keeper who has filled Earps' gloves at Man Utd
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Phallon Tullis-Joyce Steps Up as Manchester United Goalkeeper Following Mary Earps' Departure"
Bbc News
7.3
TruthLens AI Summary
Phallon Tullis-Joyce has emerged as a key player for Manchester United, especially after stepping in for the iconic Mary Earps, who left for Paris St-Germain. Tullis-Joyce's impressive performances last season have not only secured United a spot in the Champions League but also led the team to its third consecutive FA Cup final. Manchester United manager Marc Skinner has praised her trajectory, stating he believes she is on a path to becoming the best goalkeeper in the world. Tullis-Joyce, who joined from Seattle Reign in 2023, has excelled under the pressure of filling Earps' shoes, achieving the Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets in the Women's Super League with 13. Her confidence and leadership have been recognized by teammates, including captain Maya Le Tissier, who commended Tullis-Joyce's readiness and skill. The goalkeeper herself acknowledged the challenges she faced, including moments of self-doubt, but emphasized that these experiences contributed to her growth and resilience as a player.
In addition to her football career, Tullis-Joyce has a passion for marine biology and scuba diving, interests that have taken her around the globe. She studied marine biology at the University of Miami, and hopes to return to this field after her football career, focusing on marine conservation. Tullis-Joyce has also made a positive impact off the pitch by teaching local Manchester students about marine conservation. Her commitment to her development as a player is evident, as she has actively sought involvement in the hiring process for the club's next goalkeeping coach, demonstrating her dedication to ensuring the team's continued success. As the season nears its conclusion, Tullis-Joyce looks forward to a potential FA Cup victory against Chelsea, while also planning a well-deserved holiday for some diving adventures. With Skinner's belief in her potential and the skills she has developed, Tullis-Joyce is poised for a bright future in football, aiming to reach new heights in her career.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article focuses on the impact of Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s performance as a goalkeeper for Manchester United, particularly following the departure of her predecessor, Mary Earps. It highlights Tullis-Joyce's achievements and the high expectations placed upon her, reflecting the competitive nature of women's football and the significance of maintaining Manchester United's standards.
Purpose of the Article
The primary intention appears to be to celebrate Tullis-Joyce's success and to reinforce the positive trajectory of Manchester United's women’s team. By emphasizing the goalkeeper's accomplishments, the article aims to foster community support and enthusiasm for the team as they approach critical matches, such as the FA Cup final. This narrative not only uplifts Tullis-Joyce but also seeks to maintain fan engagement during a transition period.
Public Perception
This article likely aims to cultivate a sense of optimism and pride within the Manchester United fan base. By showcasing Tullis-Joyce’s transition and success, the narrative encourages fans to view the team favorably despite the challenges posed by Earps' departure. It intends to highlight the continuity of high standards within the club.
Potential Omissions
While the article presents a positive view of Tullis-Joyce, it may downplay any challenges or struggles she faced during her transition, which could provide a more balanced perspective on her journey. The focus on her successes might overshadow any criticisms or areas where she might still be developing.
Manipulative Elements
The tone is largely celebratory, and while it may not be overtly manipulative, it does lean towards creating a specific narrative. By framing Tullis-Joyce's achievements in a very positive light, the article could be seen as glossing over the pressures and realities that come with taking over from a beloved figure like Earps.
Comparison with Other Articles
In comparison to similar sports articles, this piece aligns with a broader trend of celebrating emerging talent in women's sports while simultaneously addressing the transitions within teams. There may be a connection with other articles focusing on female athletes achieving recognition in traditionally male-dominated sports, reflecting a larger narrative of empowerment.
Impact on Society and Economy
The success of the women’s team, as highlighted in this article, could positively influence attendance at games, merchandise sales, and sponsorships, ultimately benefiting the club economically. A successful season can also spark increased interest in women’s football, which could lead to broader societal support for female athletes.
Target Audience
This article primarily appeals to Manchester United fans and supporters of women's football. It seeks to engage those who are interested in the progress of female athletes and the evolution of women's sports in general.
Market Impact
While this article may not have direct implications for stock markets or financial trading, the overall performance and popularity of Manchester United's women’s team could influence sponsorship deals and partnerships within the sports industry, indirectly affecting related stocks.
Global Context
The focus on a prominent women’s football player reflects the ongoing growth of women’s sports, which is increasingly relevant in today's discussions about gender equality in athletics. This ties into broader societal movements advocating for equal recognition and opportunities for female athletes.
Artificial Intelligence Involvement
There is a possibility that AI tools were used in drafting or editing the article, particularly in structuring the content or optimizing it for engagement. AI could have influenced the tone and style to ensure it resonates well with the target audience.
Conclusion on Reliability
Overall, the article presents reliable information regarding Tullis-Joyce's performance and the context of her role within Manchester United. However, it does carry a promotional tone that may gloss over more complex narratives, suggesting a need for readers to seek additional perspectives for a fuller understanding.