Reds back Mannion after injury return

The Manchester United Women defender tore her quad back in September and has not featured for Marc Skinner's side since.

Prior to that, the Republic of Ireland international suffered an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury in February 2022 before returning to action in January 2023.

On Sunday against Southampton, in the Adobe Women's FA Cup fifth round, with United set to progress to the quarter-finals at 3-1 up, Mannion made her first Reds appearance of 2023/24.

While she was out injured, Aoife has continued to be a notable presence within the United Women camp, whether that be on the sidelines or around the squad at Carrington.

A popular member of Skinner's team, the 28-year-old defender was unsurprisingly inundated with supportive messages from her team-mates after her return to action.

"Things you love to see! Back where you belong," wrote Hannah Blundell on Instagram.

Ella Toone commented on Mannion's post, which featured an image of her entering the match against the Saints, with the message: "Love it!! Good to have you back."

Other members of United's team reposted Mannion's image on their Instagram stories. Read a selection below:

Jess Simpson: "You've smashed it Aoife! Well deserved!"

Evie Rabjohn: "She's backkkkk"

Hayley Ladd: "Congrats Aoife!"

Katie Zelem: "The best sight"

Emma Watson: "Yessss Aoife! Brilliant to see you back"

Like her team-mates, we are delighted to see Aoife back out there on the pitch.

With many games left to play, and Skinner's side still competing in the Women's Super League and the FA Cup - where we will face Brighton in the quarter-finals - Mannion will no doubt hope to contribute further to the Reds' season.