WSL: Alessia Russo returns to Manchester United for first time after Arsenal transfer - but will it be a happy homecoming?

There are two live WSL games on Sky Sports this weekend; watch Man Utd vs Arsenal on Friday; kick-off 7.30pm; watch Liverpool vs Aston Villa live on Sunday; kick-off 6.45pm; watch free match highlights from every WSL games this season across Sky Sports' digital platforms

Thursday 5 October 2023 17:33, UK

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.

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He toldSky 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.
Charlotte Marsh

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Perhaps the winning goal in Friday night's WSL showdown between