Why Manchester United star Alessia Russo was the subject of a world-record £400,000 bid from Arsenal

Manchester United and England striker Alessia Russo was the subject of a world-record bid from Arsenal 24 hours before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. 

United rejected their title rival’s offer but now run the risk of losing her for free in the summer.

That Arsenal were willing to pay more than £400,000 for a player who is out of contract at the end of the season shows how highly she is rated. 

With Russo back in action on Sunday as United were held to a goalless draw by Everton, Sportsmail analyses her display and explains why she is the striker on everybody’s radar.

SHOOTING

Few strikers in the Women’s Super League can hit a ball with as much power as Russo. A fierce effort from outside the box was heading in but for a vital block from Everton’s Gabby George. Russo is an instinctive finisher and lethal in the box, though she could only send a close-range effort wide just before half-time.

Manchester United striker Alessia Russo is an instinctive finisher and lethal in the box

HOLD-UP PLAY

Russo, 23, is a forward who can do everything. Her strength makes her hard to knock off the ball and she is just as powerful with her back to goal as she is facing it. She linked up well with Lucia Garcia and Ella Toone on several occasions yesterday.

VISION

After playing on the wing early in her career, Russo has an eye for a pass as well as one for goal. She regularly combines with Toone and United will hope they can keep that combination beyond this season. Russo produced a piece of brilliance with her backheel goal in last year’s European Championship semi-final against Sweden and came close to another moment of inspiration against Everton, flicking a header backwards that went just over the bar.

SPEED

Her pace is often overlooked. Russo’s speed means she will more often than not get in behind defenders. Everton’s low block made it difficult for United to break through here, though, meaning she was often forced to drop deep to get the ball.

ATTITUDE

Russo has twice turned down an offer of a new contract at United but the uncertainty has not affected her performances. With five goals in 10 games she is the club’s top scorer in the WSL, despite having missed a few weeks with injury. It is unlikely her future will be sorted before the summer and she may decide to wait until after the World Cup.

Russo is unlikely to stick around at United if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. There will be more clubs than just Arsenal after her, with Chelsea and other top sides in Europe and America also options.

United boss Marc Skinner said: ‘Alessia is in good spirits. She knows what we want to achieve here and she’s a huge part of that. All I’ve ever known is the most humble kid, the most hard-working who wants to get better. She doesn’t feel pressure, she wants to be the very best.’

Russo is unlikely to stick around at United if they fail to qualify for the Champions League