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Alessia Russo set to depart Manchester United

Star forward Alessia Russo will leave Manchester United Women after three seasons, as confirmed by ManUtd.com.

Despite long-standing negotiations over a contract renewal, the parties have failed to find an agreement, resulting in the 24-year-old leaving sooner than expected.

Russo joined Man United in 2020 and scored her first goal for the Red Devils in a 3-0 league win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Leigh Sports Village in October that year.

She was nothing short of outstanding last season, netting ten goals in the Women’s Super League en route to winning the Player of the Year award at the first-ever Women’s Football Awards.

Her contribution to United’s cause helped Marc Skinner’s team secure a first-ever Champions League qualification, courtesy of a runner-up finish in the WSL, and reach the FA Cup final for the first time.

Despite completing the season empty-handed, with Chelsea winning everything there was to win in domestic action, Russo exploded last season and so did her value.

Man Utd rejected Arsenal’s offer of around £500,000 at the turn of the year, which would’ve broken the world record for a signing in women’s football, hoping to extend the England international’s contract.

But United’s decision to postpone extension talks with their headline performer eventually came back to bite them, with Russo refusing to commit her future to Manchester.

During her impressive career at Man United, she tallied 26 goals from 59 appearances in all competitions.

It’s time for a fresh start, with Russo widely expected to become an Arsenal player after England’s upcoming World Cup campaign, starting with a routine task against Haiti on July 22.

After playing a prominent role in England’s European Championship triumph last year, she will be one of Sarian Wiegman’s most-trusted allies in Australia and New Zealand this summer.