Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone says she will always be “grateful” to former manager Marc Skinner after he helped her through the death of her father.
Skinner left United by mutual consent on Monday following five years in charge at the Women’s Super League (WSL) club.
He led United into the Champions League knockout stage for the first time and secured their first major trophy with the 2024 Women’s FA Cup, but was often criticised by sections of the fanbase and leaves after United finished fourth in the WSL last season to miss out on European qualification.
However, England star Toone said she was thankful to Skinner for everything he did off the pitch for her, particularly the support he gave when her father passed away in September 2024.
“Me and Marc worked together for five years, and I have grown so much as a player and as a person,” she said when asked by BBC Sport about how Skinner had supported her during that difficult period.
“I went through the worst thing you could ever imagine, and he was there throughout it all. He was there as a shoulder to cry on, but gave me freedom on the pitch to express myself. I will always be grateful that he was there to see me through that time.
“We had honest conversations. He was a good person, and he helped me come back to give everything for the team.
“For everyone else, he made time to get to know players as people away from the football pitch. I’ll be grateful for our time together.”