Marc Skinner has stressed that Manchester United are ‘not a selling club’ following transfer rumours this week linking star striker Alessia Russo with reigning European champions Lyon.
Russo has emerged as one of the best forwards in Europe over the last 12 months, making a huge impact for both United in the WSL and England at Euro 2022.
The 23-year-old is in the final year of her contract, leading to uncertainty over her long-term future. Russo is not actively seeking to leave, publicly stating more than once in recent months that she remains happy at United, but she rejected the offer of a new contract shortly before Euro 2022 and is yet to reach an agreement with the club of a potential extension.
United did opt to sell fan favourite midfielder Jackie Groenen to Paris Saint-Germain in September, with Skinner explaining at the time that it was a case of the deal suiting all parties.
But in response to alleged Lyon interest in Russo and the possibility that big clubs could view United as somewhere they could poach top talent, he responded firmly and defiantly.
“One thing: we’re not a selling club,” Skinner said.
“As a club we choose to make decisions on who we sell if we need to at any point. Just look at our [transfer] window just gone, that doesn’t look like a selling club to me. It looks like a club that is actually bringing seven players in, so it’s definitely not a selling club.”
Skinner also reiterated United’s desire to keep Russo for the long-term, but reminded eager supporters that negotiating new contracts is not a quick process.
“We know what we’re doing behind the scenes to try and keep Alessia here,” he said.
“Alessia is absolutely happy with what she’s doing. If we weren’t happy with Alessia, she wouldn’t be considered for teams or playing. She’s a great person who is really, really professional, a great player and someone we want to look at.
“What people probably don’t realise is negotiations just take a little bit of time. It’s not as easy as waving a magic wand. But I know the interest of us is to keep Alessia at this club and I can make sure that the fans know we’re definitely not a selling club.”
Russo has been sidelined with injury in recent weeks and hasn’t played since before the September international break but is fit to return to action when United make the WSL trip to Everton on Sunday.
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