Manchester United manager Marc Skinner is hopeful Ella Toone could make her long-awaited return in Sunday’s crucial Women’s Super League clash against Tottenham.
The England international has been sidelined since December with a hip injury, missing United’s run to the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals as well as two England camps. However, with the WSL season entering a decisive phase, her return could provide a significant boost.
“Tooney will train [on Friday],” Skinner said. “We are hopeful she may be involved this weekend, which would be fantastic.”
United have received further positive news on the injury front, with Sweden full-back Anna Sandberg available again after two months out with a knee issue. Striker Ellen Wangerheim has also returned after a month on the sidelines with a shin problem.
The timing is critical, with United aiming to secure a place in next season’s Champions League play-offs. Wins in their final three league games — including a decisive last-day trip to Chelsea — would guarantee qualification.
Recent setbacks have increased scrutiny on Skinner. United were beaten by Chelsea in both the League Cup final and FA Cup, knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich, and lost to Manchester City in their last WSL outing.
Despite the criticism, Skinner — the longest-serving manager in the WSL — remains focused on the task ahead.
“You enter a job like Man Utd and of course you are open to scrutiny,” he said. “But we also live in a world where there is a constant ‘look at the negative side’.”
He highlighted the progress made during his tenure and urged a balanced perspective.
“The positive side is we have created history at this club and we have to continue to do so.”
With his contract running until 2027, Skinner is concentrating solely on the immediate challenge.
“My job is to prepare my team for these next three games and to try and win them,” he added. “After that, who knows what happens?”
As Manchester United head into a defining stretch of the season, Toone’s potential return could prove crucial in their push for Champions League football.
