Alessia Russo returns to Man United for first time after Arsenal transfer

Alessia Russo returns to Man United for first time after Arsenal transfer

Lucia Garcia's first season at Manchester United flew by under the radar. She featured in 20 of the 24 WSL games with eight goals, but perhaps did not always receive the attention she deserved.

Marc Skinner has been a long-time admirer of Garcia, and predicted she would play a far more influential role after benefitting from time to settle into English football.

He told Sky Sports in pre-season: "I think you're going to see a lot more from Lucia this year.

"People always want everything now, but sometimes it takes time to adapt and Lucia has come back in wonderful shape and her qualities, you've already seen it."

Garcia has hit the ground running, scoring Man Utd's equaliser against Aston Villa on Saturday. She was joint-top in that game for shots and dribbles, and second for chances created, touches in the opposition box and passing accuracy.

The Spaniard has now scored three goals in her last three WSL games, either side of the summer break. With players needing to step up after the departure of Alessia Russo and Garcia seemingly keen to fill some large boots, it could be her rightful time to shine

Perhaps the winning goal in Friday night's WSL showdown between Arsenal and Man United would be bittersweet for Alessia Russo, just two months after swapping Old Trafford for north London, but these things tend to have a funny way of transpiring.

Russo is now a fully-fledged Arsenal player. She beamed at the prospect after it was apparent United's efforts to tie her down to a long-term contract were going to be in vain over the summer. And the switch felt well-matched - the Gunners needed more firepower, Russo yearned for a greater challenge.

Indeed, the