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It was a surprise to see Park not in the starting XI as United plotted to spoil Everton’s first WSL match at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, but it was all part of a strategy designed to unsettle the hosts.

Since her move in the summer, Park has become a key figure for manager Marc Skinner, playing alongside Ella Toone in an attacking midfield set-up that is flourishing.

“I genuinely believe her and Tooney become alive and are electric together. We just have to be able to adapt and evolve it,” said Skinner.

It has come as a welcome surprise that United have been able to get the best out of Toone and Park – something that wasn’t always as easy with Clinton and Toone.

It is also a partnership that could benefit England, and former Lionesses striker Ellen White said Park looks more “free” in the role she has at United, compared to how she was used at City.

“This has been a really great move for Jess Park. There was a lot of questions but she has let her football do the talking,” White said on the Women’s Football Weekly podcast.

“She has settled in really well. She is great on the ball technically and also has good fitness levels so she will defend.”

Skinner said the two were training together on Saturday, taking up shooting positions specific to a number 10 – and it paid off with Park’s double at Everton.

“In training, we’ve been working on Jess opening up her body and where she might receive the ball and different ways to finish,” Skinner said.

“They both [scored lots in training]. In the number 10 role you usually have one touch to set the ball, then a second to hit it.

“It was working on that speed and both were excellent.”

Skinner knew Everton would be well prepared for Park given manager Brian Sorensen worked with her during a 2022-23 loan spell with the Toffees.

The United boss hoped to catch his Everton dugout rival off guard and was able to use Park effectively off the bench.

“We rotated to play a winger system rather than the number 10 system. They had to adapt,” said Skinner.

“It was nice to give her a rest, but when she came on I knew she would unlock those pockets. I just think there is loads more goals in her.”

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