Revealed: Why Man Utd star Nikita Parris turned down lucrative move to United States & NWSL despite North Carolina Courage agreeing record deal with Red Devils

Parris will play with United in the Women's FA Cup final on Sunday, having been on the losing side last year against Chelsea. This time around, the Red Devils will be favourites against Tottenham, in the final for the first time, and Parris deemed it an occasion too big to miss when an NWSL side came calling last month.

According to the Athletic, the North Carolina Courage reached an agreement with Man Utd to sign the England international, one which would've seen the Red Devils receive a record fee, before the NWSL's transfer deadline on April 19. Parris herself was set for a big pay day too, with the report stating that she would've earned £1 million ($1.25m) over a three-year contract.

However, Man Utd secured a place in the Women's FA Cup final with victory over Chelsea on April 15 and, with that on the calendar, Parris did not want to move before the end of the current season in England. The Courage, meanwhile, wanted her to join immediately and it all resulted in the deal collapsing.

Parris is out of contract at United this summer, though her current deal does include an option to extend by a further 12 months. Whether or not the Courage could revisit the situation when the NWSL transfer window reopens on August 1 remains to be seen, while other clubs will surely be on alert if the Red Devils do not opt to keep a player around who has scored 16 goals in 28 appearances this season.