26 November 2023 , 17:19
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Manchester United boss Marc Skinner believes Nikita Parris should have been included in the latest England squad given her searing form of late.
The forward headed home United's second goal in the 2-0 victory over Bristol City on Sunday afternoon to revive a title bid that suffered its first loss of the campaign after a humbling 3-1 loss to Manchester City at home last weekend.
United laboured to break down an obstinate and committed City defence at Ashton Gate, with the season's familiar toils of a disjointed attacking front line unfamiliar with each other's movements and nuances largely lacking cohesion and fluidity.
Hinata Miyazawa broke the deadlock in the second-half when her 25-yard strike was deflected into the back of the net from Chloe Mustaki's lunging block.
Four minutes later, Parris made a late run into the box to meet Ella Toone's whipped cross from the right to smartly head down beyond Olivia Clark in goal.
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The goal marked Parris' fourth in the WSL this season, and the 29-year-old's eighth in all competitions.
Parris could have made it five goals had her sliding run to tap in at the back post not been ruled marginally offside later in the second half. Given the form the forward has relished lately, another goal would have been more than warranted.
And United boss Skinner believes a call-up to Sarina Wiegman's latest England squad was arguably warranted as well.
"I think Nikita should be there, I’d like to see her in this form going into an England camp," Skinner said after Sunday's victory.
"She's intelligent, her movement, the way she reads the game. If she keeps doing that I think she will be very proud of what’s she’s achieving and that will be Sarina’s decision. Nikita can only do what she’s doing and putting herself in a position to be noticed and the way she’s playing, she should be noticed.
"Goals can sometimes flatter performances but her performances are there too. She’s working hard for the team."
Nikita Paris scores Manchester United's second goal against Bristol City (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)This season, Parris has operated more centrally and not been as isolated out wide, a marginal adaptation to the way United play that Skinner believes has only seen Parris reap myriad benefits.
"What Nikita does have is this street smart intelligence, she sniffs out opportunities," he said. "She’s in the positions now. Rather than being an isolated wide forward, she’s in the box. And her timing is so hard to pick up. And she’s one of the very best at that," Skinner said.
Skinner has preached patience among United's fanbase as the attacking line continues to acclimatise not only to the new rigours of the English top-flight but the habits and dynamics of each other.
Yet, with Parris, such patience has not needed to be heeded with the forward savouring her best start to a top-flight season.
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"Me and Nikita had a conversation earlier this season, because she wants to play every minute. And you have to make that call as a manager if they do, but let’s give her the credit as well because her determination to push and remain at the top of her game as increased and that’s why she’s getting the goals she’s getting.”