KATHRYN BATTE: Alessia Russo leaving Man United could hurt for YEARS

KATHRYN BATTE: Alessia Russo walking out of Man United for nothing could hurt them for YEARS… losing one of the best prospects in the world may have players questioning how serious they are about being competitive

• Alessia Russo has left Manchester United after failing to agree a new contract
• The Red Devils had desperately hoped they would be able to keep their star
• Russo has the potential to be at the top of the women’s game for the next decade

Alessia Russo’s decision to leave Manchester United could have a long-lasting impact on the club and hamper their ability to attract new players.

After rejecting a world record bid from Arsenal in January, United had desperately hoped that they would be able to tie their star forward down to a new contract.

But their inability to do so and the fact they look likely to lose Russo to Arsenal on a free transfer reflects badly on the club’s negotiating team.

United are confident their offer was strong and would have made Russo the highest paid player in the club’s history.

But the club were also wary of creating too much of a financial gap between one player and the rest of the dressing room and the forward’s representatives had become frustrated over how long and drawn out the negotiation process had become.

Alessia Russo has left Manchester United after failing to agree a new contract with the club

Russo’s (middle) departure reflects badly on United’s negotiating team who lagged behind in discussions

Polly Bancroft, United’s head of women’s football, had started negotiations before Sam Barnett, who looks after contracts on the men’s side, was drafted into help.

RUSSO’S FAREWELL 

Dear United fans,

If I ever picture myself as a little girl, I’m wearing a United shirt with a ball glued to my feet. If someone told that little girl that she’d represent the club one day, create so many memories and score at Old Trafford, I can’t imagine how she’d contain the excitement.

For me, football has always been about the hard yards and about leaving a legacy to be proud of. In all I’ve done, I’ve given my best in the hope that one day, I can leave the shirt in a better place for those who come next.

I am going to miss my teammates, the fans and the staff at the club so much. Thank you to each and every one of you for allowing me to live my dream, it has been a pleasure to wear the #23 shirt.

See you all soon,

Alessia Russo

Via Manchester Evening News 

The club did agree to match Arsenal’s wage offer but it is understood they did not do so until later on in the process.

There is an argument that United should be able to replace a striker who scored 10 goals in 20 Women’s Super League games last season.

But potential new recruits will wonder why one of the richest clubs in the world was seemingly unable to convince a childhood supporter to sign a new contract.

Players may question whether United are really serious about being competitive if they are unable to keep hold of their best players.

The club has also lost more than just one of the brightest talents in the women’s game.

Just this week Russo joined Kylian Mbappe and Alexia Putellas as an ambassador for Oakley sunglasses, illustrating how she has become one of the most marketable players on the planet.

In March she fronted the new collaboration between luxury fashion brand Gucci and Adidas and also has a brand deal with Beats by Dre.

Still only 24 years old, Russo has the potential to be at the top of the women’s game for the next decade and there is a belief that she will soon be challenging the best players in the world when it comes to sponsorships and endorsements.

United manager Marc Skinner will have to find a replacement after losing his star striker

Russo (left) has become one of the most marketable players on the planet alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe

It is feared that Russo will not be the last player to leave United this summer, with Ona Batlle still weighing up whether to stay or join European champions Barcelona.

Barca have made the right back a superior wage offer which United have not been able to meet. 

From a playing perspective, losing Batlle would arguably be worse than losing Russo given world class defenders seem harder to come by in the women’s game. But Russo’s departure leaves a gaping hole both on and off the pitch.

What makes this harder for United fans to swallow is that they have just had their best ever season in the WSL. 

The club finished second, two points behind leaders Chelsea, and reached the FA Cup final for the first time.

Russo’s (middle) departure is made harder for United fans after the club’s best ever season in the WSL

United seem to have taken the approach of recruiting some of the best young talents for little money. They paid a minimal fee to sign Maya Le Tissier from Brighton last summer, which proved to be smart business. 

The club also signed Evie Rabjohn from Aston Villa in May while Scotland youngster Emma Watson looks set to be the next incoming, with the 17-year-old set to join from Rangers. 

This is all well and good but it will take time for these young players to fit in and be ready to play top flight and European football.

United also need players with experience and a history of winning trophies. Convincing them to come after the Russo transfer saga will prove difficult.

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