'Lil Keets, big impact' - Man Utd send touching farewell message to Nikita Parris after England international joins Brighton

The 30-year-old was United's top scorer last season as they won their first Women's FA Cup trophy. It is a big coup for Brighton, who are keen to break into the top four ranks in the Women's Super League and showed another statement of intent by signing Fran Kirby.

Manchester United said farewell to Parris on Instagram, writing: "Lil Keets, big impact. You'll be missed, @NikitaParris17."

Dario Vidosic said: "We're delighted to bring a player of Nikita's ability and experience to the club. It signals our ambition as a club. Nikita's record as a goalscorer speaks for itself and she will help us a lot in that regard. She is vastly experienced and will be an excellent role model, particularly for our young players. She is looking forward to getting stuck into a new challenge and we can't wait to start working with her ahead of our first WSL game next Saturday against Everton."

Parris was not the only big departure from United this season with Mary Earps moving to PSG, but the English winger opted to stay in the WSL. At only 30, she has plenty of years ahead of her and will now be looking to create history with Brighton. The Seagulls host Everton in their WSL opener next Saturday.