EXCLUSIVE: Alessia Russo says Manchester United Women unique quality will help them against Chelsea
Alessia Russo thinks Manchester United Women have a 'unique' attribute to help them defeat Chelsea in the FA Cup final and has called on the team to step up.
It's been an incredible speedy journey for United's Women team, who were only founded in their current form ahead of the 2018/19 season.
In just a few short years they have gone from not existing to now being on the verge of a potential Women's Super League and FA Cup double.
Standing in their way for the competitions are reigning champions in both, Emma Hayes' all conquering Chelsea side.
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It will certainly be no easy feat for Mark Sinner's side to overcome the Blues, who have far more experience at seeing these things out.
However England forward Russo is one of many talented players for a very good United side who have so far gone the distance toe-to-toe with the far better established rivals.
The side scored a last minute winner in the semi-final against Brighton, and the 24-year-old believes their knack for late goals could be a unique skill to help them.
"Scoring so late it gives us a bit of nerves towards the end of the game But now I think it's great. And we can find different ways to win, which is really important," Russo told SPORTbible in an exclusive interview.
"We've got lots of different players that can score and be big in that moment, which also shows a lot about our team.
"I think it's great, and shows that we have a kind of 'Never Say Die' attitude, will always fight until the game's over. And that's what's unique about this team."
It's clear that the Maidstone born forward is very ambitious and she thinks it's massive for the club to already be in a final, but believes that's where they belong.
"It's massive but not surprised," she said of the team's development, "I think we know we've got the talent and the quality within the squad that I think it's about time that we get into finals. And so I think we're all ready and raring to go.
"I'm buzzing I think FA Cup is a trophy that holds a lot of history and tells a special story. So to be at this final with this group of players and staff is going to be really special."
United lead their opponents on Sunday in the league by one point, with the side from west London having a game in hand as the campaign comes to an end.
After Sunday, United finish the league with games against Manchester City and Liverpool, both of whom would no doubt love stopping them win the title.
Russo though isn't concerned about balancing both competitions, "I don't think it's too difficult, because they're two completely different focuses," she added.
"I think it's quite easy to manage the two. But it's going to be so exciting to have the FA Cup final at Wembley, which is going to be a really special occasion for not only us and all the players in the staff, but also our friends, our families and the fans."
Whatever happens over the next few weeks, there is no doubt that Russo and her United teammates now belong amongst the elite in women's football in this country.
They can really put down a marker by beating Chelsea at Wembley.
Topics: Spotlight, Womens Football, Womens Super League, Manchester United, Chelsea
Ryan Sidle