There was less than an hour remaining in the Women’s Super League summer transfer window when the most stunning business of all was completed. Jess Park and Grace Clinton had been stalwarts at Manchester City and Manchester United, respectively, during the previous season, and yet at the eleventh hour, both were sent to opposite sides of the city.

It prompted criticism of United, with many questioning whether they had done enough summer business. That feeling intensified in the first half of the season when the club’s lack of depth played a part in their inability to mount a serious WSL title challenge. But no criticism can be levelled at the club for what they have done with Park.

Given Freedom to Find Spaces

Revitalised by the freedom handed to her by United boss Marc Skinner, who has crafted out a unique role for her on the pitch, the England international has helped this team reach the Champions League quarter finals and Sunday’s League Cup final. “Of course you’re going to be a little bit sceptical. But as soon as I hit the field, I heard the fans straight away, and that’s much appreciated. I’ve loved every minute of it,” Park tells GOAL.

Park plays like she is loving it, too. With six goals and four assists, it is already her best ever WSL season in terms of goal contributions, and there are still six games to play. That is on top of three goals in other competitions, including the crucial equaliser in the League Cup quarter final win over Tottenham.

Position is Just Where You Start

The position Skinner has put Park in has helped to bring that form out of her. At City, she was deployed in a more orthodox central midfield role, but at United, she has most often started on the right and been allowed to float into whatever spaces appear. Asked what the message has been in that role, Park says, “Have freedom, find the ball, find the spaces, find the pockets.”

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Jess Park says she is ready to translate her excellent Manchester United form to the international stage with England. The 24 year old has lit up the Women’s Super League this season following her move from Manchester City to rivals United in September.

Park has become a star performer for manager Marc Skinner, scoring stunning goals and creating chances at big moments. However, she is yet to cement her place in the England starting XI under Sarina Wiegman. The Lionesses travel to Turkey for Tuesday’s game against Ukraine without injured United midfielder Ella Toone and Arsenal winger Beth Mead, meaning Park’s chances of starting have increased significantly.

The Change is What I Needed

“I’ve enjoyed my football since going to United. I think you can see that on the pitch, I’m expressing myself and I’m feeling confident. The change is what I needed to develop my football, and that’s what has happened,” Park explained. “For me, it’s just focusing on what’s next. I’m here with England, I’m ready to train, and I’m ready to play wherever I’m asked.”

Park has scored six goals and assisted four in 16 WSL matches this season. She has added two goals in five Women’s Champions League starts, with her stunning strike against Atletico Madrid sealing United’s place in the quarter finals.

Freedom to Express Herself at United

One of the biggest changes for Park this season has been her position, as she has largely been given a free role at United, coming in off the left hand side. She has more goal involvements in the WSL than any other English player this season.

Marc Skinner believes his use of Park could be a good audition for what Wiegman can do with her at England. “If you keep moving her and allowing her that freedom, she’ll create anything for anyone. The audition is great and hopefully Sarina can see that as well.”

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Manchester United Women goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce has sent a bullish message to the rest of Europe ahead of Thursday’s Women’s Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid. The American shot stopper insists teams underestimate United at their peril after the Red Devils secured an impressive 3-0 victory in Spain last week.

Marc Skinner’s side are riding high on a seven game winning streak and looks absolutely unstoppable at the moment. Tullis-Joyce kept another clean sheet in the first leg in Madrid and has been one of United’s standout performers throughout this Champions League campaign.

Might Ruffle a Few Feathers

Speaking in the pre match press conference, Tullis-Joyce revealed the mentality within the squad when asked about how the European campaign has progressed. “Yeah, it’s going great for us so far. I smiled a little bit when you mentioned people underestimating us, that might ruffle a few feathers in the locker room.”

The 29 year old paid further compliments to the team Skinner has built by stating, “We have a complete wealth of diversity and variety in our squad. Different players can step up in any game against any opponent. We’re taking nothing for granted in this next match.”

Special to Represent This Club

Tullis-Joyce was then asked whether keeping a clean sheet in the first leg gives her confidence heading into Thursday evening. She retorted, “I approach each game separately. It doesn’t matter what happened in the past, this is the next game.”

Finally, she revealed her pride in representing Manchester United and stated, “It’s really special to be a player for the Manchester United women’s team. Being part of the continued history of this club is something I hold very precious. I love giving everything I can for the squad.”

United hosts Atletico Madrid at Leigh Sports Village on Thursday evening with kick off at 20:00 GMT.

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