Manchester United manager Marc Skinner has praised Ella Toone after a difficult few months for the England midfielder.
Toone returned to football last weekend after a well-established long-distance 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 greet her father with a heartbreaking celebration.
The Red Devils midfielder endured 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 “the one to be most proud of”, Skinner said .
Off the crossbar by Ella Toone! 🚀#AdobeWomensFACup @ManUtdWomen pic.twitter.com/46YYCbLCr8
— Adobe Women’s FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) January 11, 2025
Toone, known for scoring the chip that allowed England to tie the Euro 2022 final, has been at the forefront of media attention ever since. The midfielder’s injury was something fans had to get used to as they had seen her play non-stop football since the start of her professional career.
“The experiences she’s had in the last few months will live with her forever, so I think it’s about ongoing management and ongoing talking to her,” Skinner expressed. “What has really impressed me, more important than football, is that she will continue to grow in that area.”
“When she came in, Ella was a young woman. What I’ve seen from her is that she’s grown on the pitch with the experience she’s had with England and Man United, but I’ve also seen her grow as a person off the pitch. world. field”.
“Her conversations and her growth as a person are what I’m most proud of. Even if she’s the best soccer player who ever lived, the person will always be the most important thing.”
The boyhood United fan will be back in action this weekend when the Red Devils take on rivals Manchester City Women’s Super League at the Etihad Stadium.
