Why Manchester United star Alessia Russo was the subject of a world-record bid from Arsenal

Manchester United and England forward Alessia Russo was the subject of a world-record offer from Arsenal 24 hours before the transfer deadline on Tuesday.

United rejected their rival’s bid for the title but now risk losing it for free in the summer.

That Arsenal were willing to pay over £400,000 for a player who is out of contract at the end of the season shows how highly valued she is.

With Russo back in action on Sunday as United drew 0-0 at Everton, Sportsmail breaks down his performance and explains why he’s high on everyone’s radar.

SHOOTING

Few forwards in the Women’s Super League can hit a ball with as much power as Russo. A fierce effort from outside the box was heading in but for a vital block from Everton’s Gabby George. Russo is an instinctive and deadly finisher in the box, though she was only able to put in one shot from close range just before halftime.

Manchester United striker Alessia Russo is an instinctive and lethal finisher in the box

STOP THE GAME

Russo, 23, is a striker who can do anything. His strength makes it difficult to knock the ball down and he is just as powerful with his back to goal as he is in front of it. Yesterday he linked well with Lucía García and Ella Toone on several occasions.

VISION

Having played on the wing early in his career, Russo has an eye for passing and also for goal. She is regularly paired with Toone and United hope they can keep that pairing going beyond this season. Russo produced a brilliance with her back-heeled goal in last year’s European Championship semi-final against Sweden and came close to another moment of inspiration against Everton, firing a header back just over the crossbar.

SPEED

His rhythm is often overlooked. Russo’s speed means that most of the time he will get behind defenders. However, Everton’s low blocking made it difficult for United to break through here, meaning they were often forced to duck to get the ball.

ATTITUDE

Russo has twice turned down an offer of a new contract at United, but the uncertainty has not affected his performances. With five goals in 10 games, she is the club’s top scorer in the WSL, despite missing a few weeks due to injury. Her future is unlikely to be settled before the summer and she may decide to wait until after the World Cup.

Russo is unlikely to stay at United if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. He will have more clubs besides Arsenal after her, with Chelsea and other top teams in Europe and America also as options.

United boss Marc Skinner said: ‘Alessia is in good spirits. She knows what we want to achieve here and she’s a big part of that. All I’ve ever known is the humblest, hardest working child that she wants to improve. She doesn’t feel pressure, she wants to be the best.

Russo is unlikely to stay at United if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.