Why Jess Park’s new partnership with Ella Toone is so exciting for Manchester United fans | OneFootball

Jess Park (Manchester United Instagram)

Manchester United’s new signing Jess Park is already forming a great partnership with team-mate Ella Toone – and it’s an exciting time for fans.

That’s according to manager Marc Skinner, who revelled in his team’s comprehensive 4-0 win over Leicester City at Leigh Sports Village as their Women’s Super League season got off to the perfect start – and put them on top of the table.

Park signed for United from local rivals Manchester City on transfer deadline day last week, with fellow Lioness Grace Clinton going in the opposite direction.

And although she didn’t start, she came off the bench after 57 minutes, replacing Celin Bizet – and instantly struck up an impressive rapport with Toone.

Speaking to the club’s website after the match, Skinner enthused about “the way that they interact” and gave more detail on how he sees Park fitting into the side.

“Jess has played for a structured club. What we want to do is be able to create a little bit more freedom, that freedom within that midfield…we can rotate and be more fluid. I felt that you saw that in full effect at times today. It will get more consistent as they get more time together. Really exciting for our fans, I’m sure.”

Marc Skinner: This was a really solid performance

United have already played qualifying games in the UEFA Women’s Champions League ahead of the domestic season.

They headed to Sweden for the first matches in this year’s competition, beginning by beating PSV 4-0, and following that up with a 1-0 defeat of Hammarby last month.

And those competitive games while the rest of the WSL clubs were playing pre-season friendlies were something that Skinner thought evidently gave them an edge against Leicester on Sunday.

First-half goals from Toone and Elisabeth Terland and a brace from Melvine Malard sealed what Skinner described as a “really professional” win – ahead of their next Champions League game, in the third qualifying round against SK Brann on Thursday.

“[It’s the] start of a tough week for us, but the quality with the play today – it’s almost quicker than it should be, right away. The girls hit the ground running. Really solid performance. Should have been more goals as well, which is really pleasing. Another clean sheet, which we love here. Only thing that was the problem was the rain!”

Manchester United’s next game in the WSL is against London City Lionesses, on Sunday, 14th September.