Manchester United manager Marc Skinner praises Ella Toone after a difficult few months for the England midfielder.
Toone made a brilliant return to football last weekend after a long-range strike cemented United’s 7-0 victory over West Bromich Albion in the fourth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
In the final phase of 2024, the 25-year-old shared the news of her father’s death with her fans on social media, writing a touching farewell to her beloved Nick. She paid tribute to her father with a heartbreaking celebration at Toone’s brilliant goal against West Brom.
The Red Devils midfielder then had to endure a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a calf injury ruled her out of the final games of 2024. Her return against West Brom was something “she can be very proud of,” said Skinner.
Ella Toone hits the crossbar! 🚀#AdobeWomensFACup @ManUtdWomen pic.twitter.com/46YYCbLCr8
— Adobe Women’s FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) January 11, 2025
Toone, known for scoring the chip that helped England equalize in the Euro 2022 final, has been at the center of media attention ever since. Fans had to get used to the midfielder’s injury break as they had watched her play football non-stop since the start of her professional career.
“The experiences she’s had over the last few months will stay with her forever, so I think it’s about ongoing management and ongoing conversation with her,” Skinner explained. “What really impressed me, more importantly than football, is that she will continue to grow in this area.”
“When she first came in, Ella was a young woman. What I have seen from her is that she is developing on the field because of the experiences she has had with England and Man United, but I have also seen her developing as a person off the field. “
“Their conversations and growth as people are what I’m most proud of. Even if she becomes the best footballer of all time, people will always be the most important thing.”
The childhood United fan will be back in action this weekend when the Red Devils take on rivals Manchester City in the Women’s Super League at the Etihad Stadium.
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