Manchester United defends Russo from Arsenal’s pursuit | OneFootball

Manager Marc Skinner is hopeful that Alessia Russo will remain with Manchester United despite her expiring contract and Arsenal’s interest.

Manchester United Women’s Football Club manager Marc Skinner is hopeful that Alessia Russo will remain with the club, despite Arsenal submitting two world-record bids for the England superstar.

Skinner is confident that Russo will continue to play for United next season and that she has a real love for the club. He also said that he wants Manchester United to be a team that builds and pushes for titles, instead of being a selling club.

In a recent press conference, Skinner said, “I spoke to Alessia this morning and we’ve had a really good meeting. I can’t stress enough, Alessia is the nicest person, the best kid, great attitude, exactly someone we are looking to keep here, keep in negotiations and conversations around that.”

He further added, “She wants to win here, so I just reiterated that me and her have always had this relationship where it’s business on the field and we’ll look after each other, and we’ll work towards her being a better player and this club being a better team.”

Manchester United’s women’s side was launched in 2018 as a Championship club and has finished fourth in the Women’s Super League for each of the last three seasons.

Currently, the club leads the WSL, level on points with Chelsea and three clear of Arsenal who have a game in hand.

Skinner believes that Russo’s decision to stay with the club is crucial to their continued success this season.

He said, “I think it’s huge (Russo not leaving in the January transfer window) in order for us to continue what we’ve started (this season).

“I think it shows a lot about our club. We’re building, we’re helping these players progress. We are one of, if not the biggest, clubs in the whole world.

“For us, it’s just about keeping that momentum.”