Tullis-Joyce relishing European challenge ahead of Man Utd's Champions League opener

Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce says the team is eager and fully prepared to kick off their Champions League curtain-raiser on Wednesday. 

The Red Devils host Norwegian side Valerenga at the Progress With Unity Stadium, marking the start of their European journey after successfully progressing through two qualifying rounds.

Marc Skinner's side head into the tie unbeaten in the Women's Super League, having earned a valuable 1-1 draw with Chelsea last time out, and now sit in fourth, just two points off top. 

This will mark the first-ever Champions League encounter between the two sides, with United making their debut in the competition.

Valerenga, meanwhile, have previously met English opposition twice — both defeats coming against Arsenal in last season's group stage.

Speaking to club media ahead of the match, Tullis-Joyce shared her excitement about testing themselves on the continental stage.

"It's been super fun to see the draw and to follow along and then see who we’re playing," she said.

"I think we're just super excited having made it out of the qualifiers and [we are] just ready to go, getting into even harder games. I think it'll be a really great challenge for us."

Tullis-Joyce, who joined from OL Reign last year, has kept three clean sheets in five league appearances so far this term — the joint-most in the WSL. 

"I think you could just pick anything from any of those teams [we're facing].

"It is so, so exciting to me — European football, and just to see different styles, different players of different qualities and calibres.

"I think it's going to be an excellent challenge for us. We definitely love a challenge and love being able to adapt to anything that we play against.

"But, right off the bat, I think we’ve got some really, really cool opponents to play against."