In Focus: Ruthless Russo can secure United's first WSL title

Alessia Russo has been in a rich vein of form for Manchester United this season as they chase their first Women's Super League title. 

The striker, 24, has scored eight goals in 15 league appearances and helped guide her side to the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 14.

Ahead of table-topping United's clash with Arsenal tonight, we turn the spotlight on a player looking to shine for both club and country in the months ahead.

Something special

Russo was the subject of multiple world-record bids from the Gunners in January but United refused to sell their star striker.

Her presence in the final third has spearheaded an unprecedented season for the Red Devils, who have finished fourth in each of the last three campaigns.

And with four goals in her last six WSL outings, the former Chelsea hotshot is firing at the perfect time with a run of crucial fixtures on the horizon.

Russo's hat-trick against Leicester last month was a perfect example of her prolific nature, scoring with her left foot, right foot and head in a convincing 5-1 win.

Though she rarely pops up with a 30-yard screamer, the expert finisher has a supreme awareness inside the penalty area and always finds herself in the right place at the right time.

The perfect professional

Head coach Marc Skinner has refused to speculate on Russo's future, despite her contract expiring this summer. 

He said: "I wouldn't say [Russo's situation] goes to the level of concern because we're in a really important moment of the season.

"There's a lot of love from those players towards the club and obviously from the club towards them. We're hopeful and working hard behind the scenes.

"What I've stayed very clear on, and why they're still performing like they are, is it's about the team."

Heart of a Lioness

Russo is an established figure in Sarina Wiegman's England plans, making 21 appearances for the Lionesses and notching 11 goals — including a hat-trick against Latvia in 2021.

There is fierce competition when it comes to claiming a spot in the starting XI for the European champions. But Russo is currently favoured over Aston Villa's Rachel Daly, who is also enjoying a superb campaign.

United's No23 is keeping Tottenham striker Bethany England out of the squad entirely, while her combinations with Lauren Hemp and Lauren James allow the Lionesses to play free-flowing, attacking football.

If she can continue to perform for her club, the 5ft 9in poacher will be in pole position to lead England's charge towards World Cup success Down Under. 

Aiming high

Having stated earlier in the campaign that United's aim was to qualify for Europe, Russo now believes they should set their sights even higher this season and beyond. 

The Lioness said: "We've put in a lot of big performances. We know where we want to go as a club and we've put in performances to match that.

"I think this club has huge ambitions and the players do as well. We've got to make sure we put in the work and prove it on game days.

"There's a World Cup coming up, I'd love to compete in that. I'd love to win the league. I'd love to win the Champions League."

Before thinking about taking on the world this summer, Russo could fire United towards the title with a win over Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village.