As several areas of England prepare for a fifth heatwave in 2026, Manchester United’s new goalkeeper Janina Leitzig understands the difficulties faced by anyone trying to keep a garden healthy. “You’re not accustomed to having so little rain, are you?” she says. Following her summer switch to Manchester, the former Germany youth international does not yet have a garden, although growing her own vegetables became a source of great satisfaction during her three-and-a-half years with Leicester.
“Gardening is something I really enjoy. Where I come from, people grow their own vegetables, and they simply taste better,” she says. “Living away from home and family can sometimes feel lonely, even when you have friends from football, particularly when you return after training. Having a garden gave me a lovely reason to spend time outdoors. It doesn’t require too much work and it’s an enjoyable hobby.”
The 27-year-old spent some time surfing in Cornwall during her summer break, but her attention has now returned to the demands of pre-season. Manchester United will travel to La Manga for a training camp from 14 to 19 August, where football drills will take priority over tending vegetables.
Leitzig, who previously played for Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim, gave the interview before Spanish coach Eva Olid was confirmed as United’s new manager. She nevertheless explained why leaving Leicester for United was an attractive opportunity. “This is an enormous club, and joining it is a great privilege,” Leitzig says.
“Any player would be interested after receiving an offer from Manchester United. The squad immediately stood out to me because everyone is so welcoming, and you can see that it is a close and powerful group. Training is conducted at an excellent level, while the buildings and facilities at Carrington are outstanding. Everything feels highly professional. During my discussions with United, the club made me feel very positive about the move.”
Leitzig has agreed a contract running until 2029 after experiencing relegation with Leicester last season. Despite that painful conclusion, she retains warm memories of her former club, which she first joined on loan in January 2023 before completing a permanent transfer later that summer.
Reflecting on her experience in the East Midlands, she says: “It was an incredibly meaningful period in my career. The original plan was to stay for only six months, but it eventually became three and a half years. That shows how happy I was there. The club is wonderful, and so are the people.”
“We went through some difficult moments, and last season’s relegation was extremely painful. I believe the club belongs in a stronger position. I hope the players perform well and return to the WSL soon. It would be fantastic to see them earn promotion at the first opportunity.”
Since arriving in England, Leitzig has noticed changes in the way goalkeepers are expected to play. Discussing how the position may develop tactically, she says: “There was a period when everyone placed a huge emphasis on goalkeepers using their feet. That remains important, but I think it became excessive for a while. Now the focus appears to be shifting back towards the fundamental parts of goalkeeping.”
“You still need to change the direction of play and remain composed with the ball when under pressure. However, teams may increasingly look to move possession into the opposition half as quickly as possible, maintain pressure there and avoid taking unnecessary risks. It will be fascinating to see how that develops.”
“Being German and having Manuel Neuer as my role model meant I learned to use both feet from an early age. I also started as an outfield player, so I’m comfortable in possession. Even so, stopping shots remains the most enjoyable part of being a goalkeeper.”
United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce featured in 21 of the club’s 22 Women’s Super League fixtures last season. Leitzig expects the pair to work closely, support one another and compete for a starting place. “The club explained that there would be competition for the position. Having several strong goalkeepers is essential because it is impossible to predict what may happen over a season.”
“My aim is to work as hard as possible and contribute quality, while the manager will decide who starts. More importantly, we need to operate as a united goalkeeping group. By encouraging and challenging each other, we can all continue improving.”
After finishing fourth last season, United will begin their new WSL campaign away to London City Lionesses on 4 September. Looking forward to the opening fixture, Leitzig says enthusiastically: “Starting the season on a Friday evening at 7pm under the floodlights is an exciting prospect. Throughout pre-season, you keep wondering when the competitive matches will finally begin, so I can’t wait for that first game.”
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
