Russo reacts to first United hat-trick

Monday 06 March 2023 12:03

Manchester United Women forward Alessia Russo feels the Reds were ruthless in front of goal against Leicester City, having created an abundance of good opportunities.

The Reds had 33 shots in total – 15 of which were on target – in the 5-1 win over the Foxes at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday, with Russo netting a sensational hat-trick.

It’s the second week in a row that Marc Skinner’s side have seen reward for their hard work going forward, after netting five against Durham in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup. 

Prior to the international break, and a 2-1 win at Tottenham, the Reds had 25 attempts in a dominant performance against Everton, but dropped two points after being held to a 0-0 draw. 

Russo: We were ruthless Video

Russo: We were ruthless

Alessia Russo reflects on United's five-goal showing against Leicester, in which she scored her first Reds hat-trick...

Alessia was therefore delighted to be on target three times on Sunday, as we earned three more vital points in the WSL.

“That’s the most important thing [that we’re taking the chances we’re creating],” Russo said, speaking to MUTV. 

“This is the business end of the season, every single point matters, and we’ve got to be ruthless, and that’s what we were today.”
All three of Russo’s successful efforts came in close proximity to the goal, as our no.23 showed her striking instincts to net her first treble in United colours, also becoming the first Red to score three times in a WSL game.

“They were tap-ins, but a goal is a goal and I’ll take it!

“That’s my job, to try and be in the right places as much as possible. I thought we built the chances really well and when you’re getting crosses like that, you’ve got to put it in the back of the net. 

“We’ve got to be patient, but when the chances come and we’re ruthless like we were, it sets yourself up and you can build momentum. Today we got five so that was really important.”
Le Tissier reflects on 'a good day' Video

Le Tissier reflects on 'a good day'

Maya Le Tissier has a smile on her face after United's latest WSL win, but is disappointed by the goal we conceded...

Maya Le Tissier was delighted to see her team-mate on the scoresheet three times.

Having expressed her satisfaction with the victory, the defender also shared the Reds’ disappointment to not keep a clean sheet, as Leicester denied our pursuit of a third shutout in four matches with a goal early in the second half.

“You could see that with the result [that it was a composed performance],” Le Tissier explained to MUTV.

“We’re very disappointed with the goal we conceded, a silly goal. Frustrating, but we got five goals and Lessi got a hat-trick so it’s a good day.

“Our job is to keep the ball out of the net, and we didn’t do that today on one occasion. If we want to be the best team we can, we need to make sure that doesn’t go in the back of the net,” our no.15 added.

“But five goals for all the attackers, we’re really happy with that.”
Skinner: We only ever take it game by game Video

Skinner: We only ever take it game by game

United Women's boss Marc Skinner called for composure following our 5-1 win over Leicester in the WSL...

Head coach Marc Skinner shared the sentiments of his players and told MUTV that the Reds carried out the game plan, playing with intensity, but also cool heads in goalscoring areas.

“We asked them to play with energy up until [having composure in the final third],” the boss expressed.

“I think it was epitomised with Alessia’s second goal where Tooney [Ella Toone] makes a decision to drive across field, it wasn’t right, she could have forced it, she finds the perfect pass, a great ball by Ona [Batlle] and it’s a wonderful position by Alessia. 

“So, that was present today. We just need to make sure we continue that throughout the next games.”

UNITED WOMEN AT OLD TRAFFORD 

Later this month, the Reds return to the Theatre of Dreams to take on West Ham United in the Women’s Super League. 

The fixture takes place on Saturday 25 March and is a 17:30 GMT kick-off. 

Tickets are available at £5 for adults and £10 for under-16s and over-65s here, while hospitality packages are also available from £25 per person.

Recommended: