Ella Toone played under Marc Skinner at Manchester United between 2021 and 2026. The Manchester United midfielder says she will always be "grateful" to her former manager after he helped her through the death of her father.
Skinner left United by mutual consent on Monday after five years in charge of the Women's Super League club. He led United into the Champions League knockout stage for the first time and won the club's first major trophy with the 2024 Women's FA Cup, but he was often criticised by sections of the fanbase and departed 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, especially the support he gave when her father died in September 2024.
How did Skinner support Toone?
Toone said Skinner helped her through the most difficult period of her life and gave her freedom on the pitch to express herself. Speaking to about how he supported her during that time, she said:
"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 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."
Toone said the honest conversations she had with Skinner helped her return and give everything for the team. She also said he made time to get to know players as people away from the football pitch.
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Key Facts
- Ella Toone played under Marc Skinner at Manchester United between 2021 and 2026.
- Skinner left United by mutual consent on Monday after five years in charge.
- He guided United into the Champions League knockout stage for the first time and won the 2024 Women's FA Cup.
- United finished fourth in the WSL last season and missed out on European qualification.
- Toone's father died in September 2024.
