Ella Toone embodies Manchester United's future

Manchester United Women are entering a new era this season, and Ella Toone, a long-serving midfielder at the club, intends to play a key role in it. After Marc Skinner left this summer and was replaced by Eva Olid as head coach, several key players have left the squad. Yet Toone, 26, remains at the club and is determined to keep improving. Jullien bounces back in Belgium after leaving Montpellier.

 

A growing leadership role

Toone, who has been with Manchester United Women since the team’s inception, now takes on a more prominent leadership role in the dressing room. “I know that as someone who’s been here a long time, it can be hard to find that motivation or to become a bit complacent,” she says. “But because of who I am, I want to be the best I can be.” The player, who believes she still has room to grow, stresses her daily desire to give her all. “I feel like I still have huge potential and a lot more to give, as long as I come in every day to learn and improve,” she adds. Her accumulated experience makes her a reference point for her teammates, a role she embraces with pride. “I’m 26, but for some reason I’m now in the ‘old guard’ category at this club,” she admits. “It makes me really proud to know I’ve played so many games for Manchester United and that people can rely on me.”

The WSL: a league growing in appeal

The Women’s Super League (WSL) continues to grow in stature, drawing international stars like Alexia Putellas, formerly of FC Barcelona, now at London City Lionesses. With the league expanding to 14 teams, competition is intensifying every season. Toone highlights this shift: “We know this is one of the best leagues in the world because no matter who you’re playing, anyone can pick up points.” “No game is easy in this league—every match is tough,” she continues. “That’s why we attract such talented players from all over the world: they want to compete in such a demanding and competitive championship. This league has grown a lot since I’ve been part of it, and that’s thanks to the increased investment from clubs recruiting world-class players from all over.” Despite the departures of Leah Galton, Hannah Blundell, and Millie Turner this summer, Manchester United Women are still aiming for the top. Toone, now the sole pioneer from the 2018 squad, remains focused on her own development and the team's progress. "Our goal is to close the gap with clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, or Arsenal, as well as newly promoted teams like London City Lionesses," she states. Strasbourg in crisis: seven losses and a captain facing departure. The player also highlights the significance of playing at Old Trafford, the iconic stadium where United will face Arsenal on the final day of the season. "It means everything to us to play at Old Trafford," she shares. "I think it’s incredibly important for everyone who wears the Manchester United jersey to step onto one of the world’s greatest stages in front of our supporters, family, and friends." She does, however, emphasize that Leigh Sports Village remains the team’s historic home ground, where the atmosphere is always electric.