Manchester United Women boss Marc Skinner has lauded Ella Toone following her sensational hat-trick in the side’s 4-2 win over Manchester City on Sunday.
Before yesterday, Toone had never scored against City, but she found the net twice in the first half, complemented by Leah Galton’s 21st-minute tap-in, to firmly establish United’s dominance.
City wrestled back before the break, with Vivianne Miedema and Rebecca Knaak cutting down United’s massive advantage.
The stage was set for an intriguing second half but Toone put the match to bed, completing her hat-trick just seconds after the restart.
It was a wonderful evening for Toone, who had just made her return to the WSL following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a calf injury.
Reflecting on her performance after the final whistle, Skinner said [via Manchester World], “It’s about clarity of mind. We all know when our minds are full we can’t produce the work, whatever that it is, in the most effective way we want to.”
“Sometimes you need that break, and she’s got that through injury. What I’ve got to try and do now is to make sure she’s got that head space and clarity, and that we protect her at the right moments.”
“I want this player to not only perform as the best player for Manchester United but to also be the very best for England as well. Going to a Euros is going to be key, so I want her to be in a head space where she can enjoy those moments.”
On where he ranks the derby victory, Skinner stated, “It’s one of the very best.”
“Of course, I think it probably ranks up with the Emirates game, and the semi-final against Chelsea, just for the magnitude of the game.”
“The reality was I remember when we played City at home at Old Trafford and you know, they really enjoyed themselves after the game.”
“So I think it was important for us too, for the players to enjoy it, but also realise… the players know it’s great to get that win but not if you don’t learn and take that forward.”
He added, “So we’ve got to take that into the next two games. I want to be very clear: I’m buzzing for the team. I’m buzzing for all of our fans. It’s three points and we’ve got to play them again on Wednesday. So it’s straight back down to earth and work.”
The two arch-rivals meet again on Wednesday in the quarter-final of the Women’s League Cup.
Featured image Ben Roberts Photo via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
