Alessia
Russo

Alessia penned a two-year deal with the Reds in September 2020, after spending three years in the US with North Carolina Tar Heels, representing the University of North Carolina in the Atlantic Coast Conference. She previously had spells at Brighton and Chelsea as a youngster and while Russo was at Charlton Athletic’s Centre of Excellence, she was a mascot for her future first United manager Casey Stoney, who was captain of the Addicks at the time. Russo’s talent was recognised early on when she was selected for England’s Under-15s. Thereafter she represented her country at every age level and was part of the squad that won bronze at the 2018 Under-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She made her senior debut in March 2020 against Spain in the 2020 SheBelieves Cup, and was part of the senior Lionesses’ September 2020 training camp. In 2021, she came off the bench to score three times against Latvia, setting a record for the fastest-ever England hat-trick. A dynamic and powerful forward with a wealth of pace, Alessia made a lightning start at United, registering three goals and two assists in her first five appearances before her 2020/21 campaign was sadly cut short by injury. She was back on the scoring trail in 2021/22, topping United's goal chart with 11 across all competitions, before her form continued into the triumphant Euro 2022 with England. Alessia netted four times in the tournament - all from the bench - including that memorable backheel in the semi-final victory over Sweden, which would go on to win UEFA's Goal of the Tournament. In January 2023, Russo was received an honorary doctorate from Canterbury Christ Church University in recognition of her sporting achievements and role in raising awareness for women's sport in the UK and around the world. Our no.23 became the first Red to net a WSL hat-trick - while scoring her first treble in a United shirt - during the 5-1 victory over Leicester City on 5 March.