Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone has publicly thanked her former manager, Marc Skinner, for his significant personal support during a period of deep family grief. Skinner, who managed the Women’s Super League side for five years, departed the club by mutual consent earlier this week.
Reflecting on their tenure together, Toone highlighted the role Skinner played after her father passed away in September 2024. The England international noted that while he provided professional guidance on the pitch, his presence as a support system during her personal tragedy was invaluable. She described him as a mentor who allowed her the freedom to express herself while helping her return to competitive form.
During his five-year stint, Skinner guided the team to a historic Women’s FA Cup victory and a debut appearance in the Champions League knockout stages. Although his time at the club concluded following a fourth-place league finish, Toone remains focused on the human connection they built, emphasizing that Skinner prioritized understanding his players beyond their roles as athletes.
