Manchester United manager Marc Skinner has praised Ella Toone after a difficult few months for the England midfielder.
Toone made a dazzling return to football last weekend after cementing a long-range strike United7-0 win over West Bromich Albion in the fourth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
In the closing stages of 2024, the 25-year-old shared the news of her father’s death with fans on social media, writing a touching farewell to her beloved Nick. Toone’s brilliant goal against West Brom saw her salute her father with a heart-wrenching celebration.
The Red Devils midfielder then had to endure a long spell on the sidelines, after a calf injury ruled her out of the final games of 2024. Her comeback against West Brom was something she was “most proud of”, Skinner said.
Ella Toone hits the crossbar! 🚀#AdobeWomensFACup @ManUtdWomen pic.twitter.com/46YYCbLCr8
— Adobe Women’s FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) January 11, 2025
Toone, who is famous for scoring the allowed chip England tie in the Euro 2022 final, has been in the center of media attention ever since. The midfielder’s injury lay-off was something fans had to get used to, watching her play football non-stop since the start of her professional career.
“The experiences that she’s had over the past few months will live with her forever, so I think it’s about continuing to manage and constantly talking to her,” Skinner said. “What really impressed me, more important than football, is that it will continue to grow in that area.”
“When she first came, Ella was a young woman. What I’ve seen from her is her growing on the pitch with the experience she’s gained with England and Man United, but I’ve also seen her grow as a person off the pitch.”
“Her conversations and her growth as a person are the things I’m most proud of. Even if she becomes the best soccer player who ever lived, the person will always be the most important thing.”
The childhood United supporter will be back in action this weekend when the Red Devils face rivals Manchester City in Women’s Super League at the Etihad Stadium.
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