Marc Skinner: Man Utd head coach shares heartfelt praise for Ella Toone | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner packed on the praise for Ella Toone after what has been a tough few months for the England midfielder.

Toone made a beaming return to football last weekend after a long-distance strike cemented United's 7-0 victory 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 with fans on social media the news of her father's passing, penning a touching farewell to her beloved Nick. Toone's brilliant goal against West Brom saw her salute her father with a heart-rending celebration.

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 "to be most proud of", said Skinner.

Toone, who is famously known for scoring the chip that allowed England to draw level in the Euro 2022 final, has since been at the forefront of media attention. The midfielder's injury break was something fans had to grow use to, having watched her play non-stop football since the start of her professional career.

"The experiences she has had in the past few months are going to live with her forever, so I think it's about continous management and continously speaking to her," Skinner expressed. "What I have been really impressed with, more importantly than football, is she will continue to grow in that area."

"When she first came in, Ella was a young woman. What I've seen from her is her growing on the field with the experience she's had with England and Man United, but I've also seen her grow as a person off the field."

"Her conversations and her growth as a person is the thing I am most proud of. Even if she goes on to be the best footballer that ever lived, the person will always be what is most important."

The childhood United fan will be back in action this weekend as the Red Devils face rivals Manchester City in the Women's Super League at Etihad Stadium.