Tense contract talks, changing goalposts and record-breaking offers. These are just some of the details that have led to Manchester United’s top goalscorer, Alessia Russo, walking away after three seasons.
Russo’s partnership with Ella Toone and her ability to convert deliveries from wingers Nikita Parris and Leah Galton played a key part in United securing Champions League football thanks to finishing second in the Women’s Super League, while the women’s side also reached the FA Cup final for the first time.
Russo scored 10 goals in the WSL, helping to secure important wins against the top three and picking up the Player of the Year award at the first-ever Women’s Football Awards.
So how did United let her slip through the net? And where will she go now?
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You could sense what was coming as far back as January. Russo’s presence, particularly after scoring that ridiculously spicy back-heel goal on England’s way to winning the European Championship last year, exploded and so did her value.