Ella Toone on her return back from injury as she drives Manchester United women to victory over West Brom in Women’s FA Cup.
Ella Toone said the injury which ruled her out for two months was a “blessing in disguise”.
Melvine Malard’s early finish put the Reds ahead 1-0 against their tier-three rivals when Toone came off the bench.
With replacement Rachel Williams hitting an incredible hat-trick in the second half and Celin Bizet scoring twice, Holders United were merciless in the end, scoring six goals in eighteen minutes.
Toone’s effort, however, was the best of the lot. In the 83rd minute, the England international made a forceful comeback by curling the ball in off the crossbar from the edge of the box.
“In the first half of the season I had a lot going on and it probably affected me more than I realised when I was out on the pitch,” Toone told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I was playing with a lot of pressure and probably not enjoying it as much as I should have been.
“I think that injury was a bit of a blessing in disguise, not only to come back stronger but fitter and mentally better as well.”
Toone, who had not scored before her injury and had struggled for form in the early going of the 2024–25 season, confidently took up the ball on the outskirts of the box and accurately guided it past Anna Miller.
In celebration of the death of her father, Nick, in September, the 25-year-old pointed to the sky with emotion.
“A lot of hard work has gone into getting me back on the pitch and feeling physically better, but also mentally better,” added Toone. “I feel like I’m in a good headspace at the minute.
“Obviously, some days are a lot tougher at the minute and that’s just grief and I’m learning to deal with that, but to be back out on the pitch tonight, it’s where I love, it’s my happy place.”