Manchester United manager Mark Skinner has praised Ella Toone after the England midfielder's difficult few months.
Toone made a delightful return to football last weekend after strengthening his long-distance strike unitedThe team beat West Bromwich Albion 7-0 in the fourth round of the Women's FA Cup.
In the closing stages of 2024, the 25-year-old shared with her fans on social media the news of her father's death, and wrote a touching farewell to her beloved Nick. Toon's stunning goal against West Brom saw her pay tribute to her father with a heart-wrenching celebration.
The Red Devils midfielder was then forced to endure a long spell on the bench, after a calf injury ruled her out of the final matches of 2024. Skinner said her comeback against West Bromwich was “the thing she is most proud of”.
It hit the crossbar from Ella Toone! 🚀#AdobeWomensFACup @ManUtdWomen pic.twitter.com/46YYCbLCr8
– Women’s FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) January 11, 2025
Ton, famous for recording the chip that allowed England To equalize in the UEFA Euro 2022 final, he has since been at the forefront of media attention. The midfielder's injury break was something fans had to get used to, having watched 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 a matter of constant management and constantly talking to her,” Skinner said. “What really impressed me, more importantly than football, is that it will continue to grow in this area.”
“When she first came in, Ella was a young woman. What I saw from her was her growing on the pitch thanks to the experience she gained with England and Manchester United, but I also saw her grow as a person off the field.”
“Her conversations and her growth as a person are what I'm most proud of. Even if I become the best soccer player ever, the person will always be the most important.”
The childhood United fan will return to action this weekend as the Red Devils take on rivals Manchester City in Women's Super League At Etihad Stadium.
