Ella Toone spoke of the pride she had for her team as Manchester United Women ran out 4-2 winners in the derby against Manchester City.
Toone, who scored her first goal of the season last week against West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup, roared back into form with a well-taken hat trick at the Etihad.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game she commented “we’re speechless as well. It’s a derby, so it means so much.”
“I thought we put in a massive shift and a great performance. I think we deserved it.”
United’s number seven stated that the result was that extra bit special for her as she grew up a fan of the club.
“I was letting the girls know – ‘girls, I’ve never scored in a Manchester derby, never scored against City’, and for a girl who supports Manchester United, I know what these derbies mean.”
Toone then commented that she wants to come in and affect every game and while she targeted a goal in the match, she was over the moon to end up with three on derby day.
The England international has had a tough season with the loss of her father and an injury picked up in November but she now looks to be returning to her sensational best.
“I’ve been through a lot, and when I got injured, it was a blessing in disguise. Looking back now, I needed it, not just physically but mentally as well. I’ve used my time wisely to get back fitter and stronger, but more importantly, look after myself.”
The 25 year old was keen to shower praise on her side after the win and claimed that sometimes people may underestimate the talent in the team.
“Sometimes people write us off but we know what squad we’ve got. We have personality, we’ve got attitude, we’ve got work-rate and we give it our all every time we step onto the pitch and we enjoy playing together.”
She finished by reaffirming how proud of the team’s effort she was and also dedicated the win to Brazilian teammate Geyse, who had to miss the game on personal leave.
Toone and the United Women will next be in action when they welcome Manchester City to the Leigh Sports village on Wednesday evening, aiming to make it to the semi-finals of the League Cup.
Featured image Ben Roberts Photo via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
