Manchester United have been forced into a change of goalkeeper and it is academy graduate Safia Middleton-Patel who will take over in net for now.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce has been ruled out of action for ‘a while’ after fracturing her eye socket.
Who is Safia Middleton-Patel?
Manchester United goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel has been at the club for her whole career.
The Welsh international came through United’s academy from a young age and she signed her first professional contract with the club in 2023.
During her time in Manchester, the 21-year-old has been used sparingly by Marc Skinner.
When she first got promoted to the first team United had England number one Mary Earps in net.
Following the departure of Earps, Phallon Tullis-Joyce took over as United’s first team goalkeeper and she has been in formidable form this year up until being ruled out last week.
No Joyce no problem, in came Safia Middleton-Patel 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uRakAuimsh
— Sanaipei M (@Sanaipei_Cutie) November 13, 2025
The Welsh goalkeeper will now have her biggest opportunity for United in her career so far and Wednesday’s clash against Wolfsburg could be her toughest test yet.
Middleton-Patel played one game at the Euros in summer when Wales made their tournament debut. The keeper conceded four to a strong France side but still got to play on a historic occasion for her nation.
What next for Middleton-Patel?
After making her debut in the Champions League last week against PSG, Middleton-Patel will once again start between the sticks against Wolfsburg on Wednesday.
Safia Middleton-Patel. 21 years of age. Thrown into a huge Champions League game in just her second appearance — and looked so composed. Confident, sharp passing, and a vital save when called upon too.
Came through our academy, shone multiple times for Wales, and now proving… pic.twitter.com/nsv71bcGYy
— MUFC Academy (@mufcacademy91) November 12, 2025
United haven’t given a timeline on when Tullis-Joyce will return tho the field but her injury seems to be a severe one.
Marc Skinner indicated that his American goalkeeper could be in line to come back to United after the upcoming international break, but that is just one week away and could be too soon.
The Red Devils have a fairly easy return to WSL action after the break as West Ham visit. Following the West Ham clash United face Lyon in Europe and Tullis-Joyce may well make her return to the team around then.
