Manchester United manager Mark Skinner has praised England midfielder Ella Toone after a difficult few months for her.
Toune made a successful return to football last weekend after scoring United with a long-range strike to earn them a 7-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion in the fourth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
In late 2024, the 25-year-old broke the news of her father’s death to her fans on social media, bidding an emotional farewell to her beloved Nick. Toon’s stunning goal against West Brom saw her pay tribute to her father with a heart-breaking celebration.
The Red Devils midfielder then missed the final match of 2024 with a calf injury and had to endure long periods on the sidelines. Skinner said his return against West Brom was “the thing I’m most proud of”.
Ella Thun hits the crossbar! 🚀#AdobeWomensFACup @manutd_ pic.twitter.com/46YYCbLCr8
— Adobe Women’s FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) January 11, 2025
Thune famously chipped in to equalize for England in the Euro 2022 final and has been at the forefront of media attention ever since. For fans who have watched her non-stop football since the beginning of her professional career, the midfielder’s injury absence had to get used to.
“What she went through over the past few months is going to live with her forever, so I think continued management and continued talking to her is important,” Skinner said. “What really impresses me, and more importantly than soccer, is that she continues to grow in that area.”
“Ella was a young woman when she first joined and what I have seen from her is that she has grown on the field with her experience with England and Manchester United. I’ve also seen her grow as a person outside of the team.
“Her conversation and growth as a person is what I am most proud of. Even if she becomes the greatest soccer player of all time, it will always be the person that matters most.”
The United fan since childhood will return to 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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