Exclusive Interview: Chatting with England Lioness and Manchester United’s Jess Park

Few moves in football carry as much intrigue as crossing a city divide but it was a challenge Jess Park was more than willing to embrace.

When Park swapped the blue of Manchester City for the red of Manchester United this summer, it raised more than a few eyebrows.

However, any questions over how she would adapt to the switch have certainly been swiftly and decisively answered.

In a debut campaign defined by energy, flair and match-winning moments, Park has done far more than settle, she’s set league alight.

Her sharp creativity in the final third, instinct for goal and tireless work rate have quickly made her a firm favourite among the United faithful, turning a headline signing into a central figure in the team’s success.

Now, reflecting on a whirlwind first season in red, Park speaks about embracing life on the other side of Manchester, pushing herself to new heights, and chasing her ultimate ambition of representing England at the 2027 World Cup.

United’s First Champions League Campaign

Park played a pivotal role in a landmark chapter for United, as the club embarked on its first-ever UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign.

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“It was really exciting and great to be a part of. We did the best we could do, and we tried to carry out the game plan.

“We played back-to-back games but of course that’s what you need to get used to when you’re playing Champions League games,” she says with a proud smile.

“That’s what we want to be able to do so we’ll work on it and we’ll get better at it. Hopefully we can push and make next season’s competition to be able to do it all over again.”

Despite a tough ending to their campaign after falling to quarter final at the hands of Bayern Munich, Park looked back on their journey with pride and joy.

“I’m gutted, it was a tough game, but we need to be proud of ourselves for how far we’ve come.

“We wanted to make the next round, but the game was very up and down, and, in the end, we lost and we’re really gutted about that. We’ll stick together and work harder to move forward.”

Regaining Her Confidence and Best Form of Her Career

Since arriving at United in the summer, Park has rediscovered her sharpest form, elevating her game to new heights and delivering the most productive season of her career.

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Having recorded eight goals and four assists across all competitions last season, Park has already surpassed those numbers this time round, registering nine goals and five assists in fewer appearances.

Operating in a slightly different role in red, the Reds’ playmaker has embraced the added responsibility.

“I’ve come into another level, I’ve felt a bit more free, just enjoyed playing matches and giving my all on the pitch,” Park says.

“I can still improve and get better, I’ll learn with time, but I felt like I’ve learnt a whole lot already, I’m still just trying to get better every time I’m on the pitch.

“The confidence the team and staff have given me in that free role, allows me to be a bit more in and around the goal and more ruthless and creative.

“That confidence and new level that I’ve found since arriving at the club is thanks to my teammates and United staff.”

Park’s first season in red has been memorable for many reasons but her eye-catching long-range strikes deserve special mention.

With greater freedom in her role, the United number eight has been given the license to trust her instincts in front of goal, and she’s certainly made it count.

“Confidence and backing myself has been key because I know I have a good shot and that I can take it on.

“Coming in on my left and coming in on my right has been something I’ve been working on so I’m very happy to have found the back of the net on a few occasions,” Park says with a grin.

 “The Atletico goal is probably my favourite; it was such a key moment for me.”

Adapting to a Versatile Role at United

After finding consistent minutes hard to come by at City last season, Park has flourished at United, finally given the platform to showcase her full range of abilities.

Week after week, she has demonstrated her versatility with ease, operating both centrally and out wide and excelling in each role at the highest level.

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For United, having a player of such dynamism has added a new dimension to their attack, giving them the cutting edge they may have lacked in the past and the flexibility to unlock games in different ways.

“My starting position is just that, where I start. The importance is then finding those spaces in the pockets which Marc [Skinner] allows me to do.

“He and the staff try to find me the best spaces to play in on the pitch and we have that conversation each game, I can be a little bit more free with that role than I have in the past,” the United number eight explains.

“Finding space, picking up the pockets, and turning on the ball to then drive with it is when I think I’m at my best.

“Feeling free to be able to do that at the same time definitely helps. My teammates are key in that, the connections I’ve already got with them have been great, their movement off the ball and movement for me to be able to link with them is key to it all.”

Looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup with England

Park’s England career may have been limited in the past, but a strong start to 2026 has seen her role grow significantly, with her performances already repaying the faith shown by Sarina Wiegman.

As the Lionesses enter their second camp of the year, attention turns to a crucial World Cup qualifier against rivals Spain, with a place in the 2027 tournament firmly in their sights.

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Having struck twice in England’s opening matches of 2026, Park is now pushing to cement her place in Wiegman’s plans.

“Of course, I always like to be on the score sheet especially for England, it’s the biggest honours you can get, but mainly I need to make sure I take my confidence into this next camp and help the team as best I can.

“Whether that’s scoring, assisting, or just doing your role to the best of your abilities, I’ll give everything.

“It would very be nice to get another goal against Spain,” she laughs.

Whilst the Lionesses have yet to secure their place at next summer’s World Cup, they have the opportunity to take another significant step forward during this camp.

For Park, however, the focus remains firmly on the present, with plenty of challenges still to come at both club and international level.

“To be honest I just focus game to game. This next camp is my main focus right now and then it’ll be back to club and doing what I can to push for Champions League.

“Of course, in the back of my mind I want to be making that World Cup squad but to do so all I can do is focus day to day and make sure I’m working hard to get better so I can put myself in the frame to get selected for that.

“Each player brings something different, depending on the game, depending on how Sarina wants to set up and how she wants us to play.

“I think I’ve shown enough to play whenever called upon and I’ll always be ready to do whatever is required of me as best as I can.”

Making memories with Puma

To feel comfortable and play with confidence week in, week out, having the right tools is essential.

For footballers, one of the most important decisions is their choice of boots, and for Park, that choice is Puma.

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The 24-year-old has remained loyal to the brand throughout her career, wearing their boots during her time at City, on her way to winning the Euros with England, and most recently when she scored that standout goal against Atletico Madrid in the UWCL.

“I’m currently wearing the future boots, they’re the women’s fit and I absolutely love them, they fit like a sock.

“I’ve never had any complaints or problem with them, the style, the way they fit, how comfortable I feel in them is key to how I play, a crucial tool to my game.”

Looking back at some of her previously worn boots, one pair stands out for all the right reasons.

“The Puma Future 8 Match Brilliance FG/AG boots were my Euros boots,” she says with the widest grin.

“I’ve got very fond memories in these, playing in the Euros was so special, they played a big part in that.”

Another pair the United playmaker has relished wearing is the Puma Future Ultimate FG/AG boots.

These hold significants as they were on her feet during a memorable night when she netted her first UWCL goal in red.

“I wore these back in December 2025, these were worn in the Champions League and remember I played the Juventus in these.”