Russo hat-trick extends Man Utd’s WSL lead

Alessia Russo scored a hat-trick as Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the Women’s Super League by overpowering Leicester City.

However, Russo immediately tapped home her third and set up Leah Galton for a fourth, with Lucia Garcia also netting.

Victory moves United four points above Chelsea before they face the second-placed Blues on Sunday, 12 March.

The Red Devils dominated throughout against bottom side Leicester and could have been two goals up in the first 10 minutes, if not for brilliant saves from Janina Leitzig.

The on-loan Bayern Munich goalkeeper thwarted the hosts again in the lead-up to the opening goal but Russo’s persistence paid off as she slid in to fire home a second rebound.

England striker Russo doubled United’s lead on 37 minutes with a simple header from Ona Batlle’s cross after Ella Toone’s pass had sliced open the Foxes’ backline.

Leicester started the second half brightly and were rewarded when Siemsen fired home from the edge of the box.

But United responded by moving through the gears, Leitzig superbly denying Russo’s rasping volley only for the 24-year-old to tap home from the resulting corner.

With the game won, Russo turned provider with a clever flick for Galton who netted her fourth goal in her past five games.

After hitting the post, Russo was withdrawn to rapturous applause and substitute Garcia added a fifth for United late on, rolling home her third goal of the season.

After losing their first eight matches, Leicester had appeared doomed but under new boss Willie Kirk they had won two of their past three to climb to within a point of safety.

Their performance was in a different league to Manchester United here, but fixtures against fellow strugglers Spurs and Reading in the upcoming weeks will be crucial in the battle to avoid the drop.