England international forward Alessia Russo crowned her first start for Manchester United with her first goal as The Red Devils defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 at The Leigh Sports Village this afternoon.
The 21-year-old Maidstone-born hotshot joined United last month after opting to end her stay with United States outfit the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Russo, a former Brighton & Hove Albion player, netted United’s second goal against her former club after breaking free of the visiting defence, placing the ball into the bottom corner of the net in the 69th minute of the match. Ella Toone’s first half penalty had given Casey Stoney’s side an early lead in Leigh after Russo drew a foul in the box.
United fans were delighted to see new signing Russo get off the mark for the club and here is what some of them had to say about her strike on Twitter.
OMG GOAL! 2-0 United.
Did you just see that powerful run into the box by Russo! FIRST GOAL FOR OUR NEW SIGNING. Great Goal. That’s the difference this season. 😉 #mufc #muwomen https://t.co/KvzKliutIS— Jonathan (@JonFosterMUFC) October 4, 2020
Russo is already so important for man u (both goals today were bc of her + she’s been playing great overall) and I love that for her
— maaike (@orangeredwhite) October 4, 2020
Absolutely brilliant from Russo. She and Groenen have bossed things today.
— E Frank (@am13jg14dw17) October 4, 2020
BOOM! 🔥🔥 RUSSO! Her first goal for #MUWomen on her first start! GET IN THERE, GIRL! 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴
— Brighton Chitorera 🎃🦇👻 (@brighton_gaming) October 4, 2020
That was a lovely goal from Russo that touch to beat her defender was 😘
Also that’s Heath not Staniforth playing.
— Eka Salonga (@ekabolicious) October 4, 2020
What a goal, Take a bow @alessiarusso7 #MUWomen
— David Pritt 🇬🇧 (@DavidJPritt) October 4, 2020
United ended the match 3-0 winners. Jane Ross’ injury time goal completed the scoring for United who continue to apply pressure on the teams around them in the top half of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League table.
Tobin Heath and Christen Press were given second half debuts by Manchester United boss Stoney following their recent arrivals at the club. The pair were introduced to the action shortly after Russo’s goal.