Toone: I’m in a good mindset with injury

It is there, at our base, where Ella is currently putting in the hard yards to overcome a hip injury that has sadly sidelined her in the early weeks of 2026.

United Women’s all-time leader for appearances and goals – who was recently made an MBE – is in good spirits, though, and believes she can come back better and stronger than before.

“It’s difficult [being out]. I hate missing football games,” the Reds' iconic no.7 tells co-hosts Liam Bradford, Helen Evans and Phil Jones on the podcast.

“So that's just annoying. I don't really like being in the gym rehabbing, but I'm in a good mindset. I know that I can come back bigger and stronger, and I know that I can use this time really wisely to focus on me and get myself feeling in a better place when I come back. 

“The last time I had an injury, I came back and I was in a really good place. So, I know I can do it again.”

After 96 successive league starts for United, Toone missed six games midway through last season with a calf injury but scored five goals in four matches upon her return – including a hat-trick in the Manchester derby against City – and won the WSL’s Player of the Month for January 2025.

That experience has given Ella confidence that she can come back and make an impact again, when she is ready to take to the pitch once more.

Head coach Marc Skinner explained in a press conference last week that the midfielder would be out for at least another six weeks, likely ruling her out until at least March. 

“I think it's really important to listen to your body, to listen to the people around you. Like there's no point in rushing back because you don't want to do it again or do something even worse. 

“So, I know I'm in good hands. I know I've got to listen to the people around me, but it's really exciting. 

“Now, the second half of the season, we've got the FA Cup, we've got the Champions League games against Atletico [Madrid], we're fighting in the league still. We've got the Conti [League] Cup semi-final coming up, so there's so much.

“It's disappointing time to be injured. But, like I say, I know I'm going to come back better.”

That is a reassuring update for fans at the start of what is, as Ella says, an exciting spell for United Women.

The Reds are still competing in four competitions and have a big Subway Women’s League Cup semi-final away to Arsenal this (Wednesday) evening – a game Tooney will be cheering the team on in. 

“I have to change my role now and be the cheerleader and go to the games, support the girls and just be positive throughout it,” she adds.

“Hopefully, it won't take too long to get back out there!”

You can listen to and watch the full Inside Carrington episode for more from Ella Toone on her MBE, United’s season so far and the fans of the club in the squad.