Nikita Parris scores first Man United goal with screamer vs Aston Villa | OneFootball

Nikita Parris opened her Man United account with a screamer against Aston Villa in the Conti Cup.

Parris signed for the Red Devils from Arsenal in the summer after struggling for game time in North London and looks to be a shrewd bit of business.

The winger was part of the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 winning squad and was once the Women’s Super League’s all-time leading scorer.

While she failed to get on the scoresheet in United’s opening two WSL games, the 28-year-old proved she’s still got bags of ability with a thunderbolt to open the scoring against Villa.

Villa come from behind

Though Parris’ goal was the standout moment from the game, United failed to hold on to their lead, as Villa came from behind to win on penalties.

The impressive Rachel Daly continued her fine start to the campaign by levelling the tie in the 72nd minute before Carla Ward’s side stole the bragging rights in the shootout.

There were seven missed penalties in total, but Maya Pacheco eventually slotted home the deceive spot-kick to send Villa top of Group A.

Who is Nikita Parris?

Parris is one of the finest players to ever grace the WSL, having made her professional debut for Everton back in 2011.

After four successful seasons with the Toffees, Parris moved to Manchester City, where she soon established herself as one of the league’s star forwards.

By the time she left the club for Lyon in 2019, Parris had become the WSL’s all-time leading scorer –– a record she held until Vivianne Miedema surpassed her in 2020.

Following two years in France, she returned to England to play for the Gunners but could not nail down a starting spot, with Arsenal boasting a plethora of attacking talent.

Despite playing for their Manchester rivals, Parris joined United in the summer –– hoping for more regular football, that will give her a chance to impress England coach Sarina Wiegman ahead of next year’s World Cup.

How are Man United faring this season?

This defeat to Villa is United’s first of the season, having won their opening two games in the WSL.

A crushing 4-0 win against Reading was followed up by a comfortable 2-0 victory against West Ham.

With Man City struggling so far this campaign, United will have their eyes firmly set on qualifying for the Champions League for the first time.

As for the Conti Cup, United’s next fixture in the competition is against Durham on October 26th.