Manchester United forward Alessia Russo believes that Sunday’s Vitality Women's FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea will motivate the Reds' final push in the Women's Super League.
The England international had scored in United’s 3-2 semi-final triumph over Brighton & Hove Albion but was unable to find the breakthrough against Chelsea during a closely-fought final where Sam Kerr’s second-half goal proved the difference.
Reflecting on the experience during her post-match interview with MUTV, Russo said: “[There are] lessons to learn from every game but some hurt a little bit more than others. Today hurts.
“I think we dominated the game, which hurts even more. But in finals, it is that one moment that can either be for you or against you and unfortunately today it was against us.”
United looked to have taken the lead within the first minute through Leah Galton, but the winger's strike was ruled out for offside.
Efforts from Russo and Nikita Paris either side of the break pushed the defending champions, but ultimately Kerr’s 68th-minute finish proved the difference
“That is football,”
Russo added.
“Sometimes you win when you don't deserve it and vice versa. But I mean that as no discredit to Chelsea. I think they are a huge team with amazing talent. But yeah, it hurts today.”
Two matches remain in United’s WSL campaign and the 24-year-old highlighted the importance of bouncing back immediately.
“Now this is done, we have to reflect and learn from it,”
she declared.
“It is now back to the league. Two massive games are left that we can't afford to slip up in. We'll get back to training next week and be ready for Manchester City.”