Jess Park provided a timely demonstration of her qualities as her superb, long-range goal capped a confident individual performance that helped Manchester United progress to the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals with a resounding win over Atlético Madrid.
The German champions, Bayern Munich, will be Marc Skinner’s team’s quarter-final opponents, between 23 March and 1 April, with United reaching the last eight for the first time. That significant landmark for the club was fittingly accompanied by a special goal from Park, whose curling strike completed a 5-0 aggregate victory and boosted her chances of starting for England in March.
“She genuinely is an incredible footballer,” said Skinner. “Jess just excites me, she excites the team, she excites the fans. As soon as it leaves her foot, you know it’s in. As soon as you know she’s in a space, you know she’s going to hit the target.
“In the second half when [she] hit the post, it was beautiful football and that makes me feel good. The win makes me feel good, but when my team play with a flow and a vibe, and I can feel them interchange, that’s beautiful.”
Skinner, who confirmed his side’s quarter-final home leg will be played at Old Trafford, added: “I think she’s incredible. I’m happy to be the one that’s helping her be unleashed this season.”
