World Cup winner leaves Man Utd as Nikita Parris contract extension triggered

Manchester United both confirmed the triggering of Nikita Parris' contract option and the departure of seldom used midfielder Irene Guerrero on the same day.

Parris was out of contract at the end of last season, having reached the end of the initial two-year deal she signed upon joining United from WSL rivals Arsenal in 2022. But a 12-month option to extend the terms to 2025 remained and has now been taken.

The 30-year-old forward racked up 16 goals across all competitions in 2023/24 as she looked to get back to something like her best form and proved doubters wrong.

Parris was reported to have had the opportunity to leave in April when a deal was seemingly agreed with North Carolina Courage of the NWSL. Despite, at that time, having a couple of months left on her contract, it was said to be a record sale amount for United and a potential wage of £1m for Parris over the course of a hugely lucrative three-year contract. But she insisted on staying because the club was set to return to Wembley in the FA Cup final, which they subsequently won.

It is plausible that the ex-Manchester City star could still move on before the 2024/25 campaign, with her contract option ensuring any suitor would need to pay a transfer fee. Alternatively, she stays put and continues to provide vital depth and competition for attacking places.

Hours later, United announced that Guerrero, signed just last summer as part of a deal that also saw popular midfielder Vilde Boe Risa head in the opposite direction to Atletico Madrid, has left Manchester on a permanent transfer to Club America in Mexico.

Guerrero arrived off winning the World Cup with Spain, albeit as a fringe member of the squad, but was hampered by an early knee injury. Even after returning to fitness in the New Year, she featured sparingly, started only once, and was an unused substitute in 11 of the final 12 fixtures.

The 27-year-old appeared critical of her lack of playing time when she posted a farewell message to fans on social media. She noted her "immense excitement" upon joining United but admitted that "things don't always go as planned" in an emotional post.

"Not having the opportunity to show what I am capable of, despite working hard and being professional every day, taught me to help my teammates from another perspective," Guerrero said. "It is sad to have to part ways, but I feel it is necessary change both personally and sportively to enjoy what I am passionate about once again."

Fans were sad to see Lucia Garcia leave, also to Mexico, as a free agent last month when she was on record stating a desire to stay. Mary Earps and Katie Zelem are two other big holes in the squad to fill after their respective deals expired, although recruitment has seen Dominique Janssen and Elisabeth Terland arrive, as well as Melvine Malard's loan become a permanent deal.

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