'As soon as it leaves her foot you know it's in' - Jess Park shines again

Manchester United’s historic first Champions League voyage gathered further momentum as they dismantled Atlético de Madrid 5-0 on aggregate, and once again the story was headlined by Jess Park. The 24-year-old England international, signed last summer in the swap that sent Grace Clinton to Manchester City, produced another moment of brilliance to underline why manager Marc Skinner now views her as indispensable.

The decisive strike arrived courtesy of a short corner that rolled into Park’s path on the edge of the area. Without hesitation she whipped a rising drive into the far corner, a finish almost identical to her sensational equaliser against London City Lionesses earlier in the campaign. Skinner, still beaming in the post-match press conference, praised the attacker in glowing terms: “As soon as it leaves her foot you know it’s in. I think she’s incredible. I think she genuinely is an incredible footballer.”

The goal was Park’s ninth of the season across all competitions, accompanied by four assists in 28 appearances—already her best return in a single campaign after managing 12 combined goals and assists in her previous two seasons at Manchester City. That haul lifts her to second on United’s scoring chart this term, one ahead of Melvin Malard on eight and trailing only striker Elisabeth Terland, who leads the way with 14.

Beyond the raw numbers, it is Park’s capacity to create something from nothing that sets her apart. Against London City Lionesses she collected possession near the byline, drove inside and unleashed an unstoppable shot to rescue her side when they were under sustained pressure. With Ella Toone sidelined through injury, United will continue to lean on their in-form playmaker as they chase glory on four fronts this season.