Skinner: I want to dedicate that to Nick Toone

Thursday 03 October 2024 10:00

A special celebration followed Melvine Malard's early opener against Liverpool at Leigh Sports Village in the FA Women's League Cup.

Having expertly slotted home a finish inside 10 minutes, the France international was followed over to the side of the pitch by her team-mates who, in unison, all formed a letter 'T' with their hands.

It was in memory of United midfielder Ella Toone's father, Nick, who sadly passed away just before his 60th birthday last month.

Reds boss Marc Skinner was keen to dedicate the 2-0 win to Nick following the game.

Skinner: We're growing every game Video

Skinner: We're growing every game

💬 REACTION | Head coach Marc Skinner was pleased with the work his side did on and off the ball against Liverpool...

"I want to dedicate that to Nick Toone tonight," Skinner told MUTV following the final whistle. "Obviously they are a huge, huge Manchester United fan family. She's hugely important to us as a club, as a team.

"I want to send them all our love and to celebrate that. Hopefully he is celebrating that upstairs tonight with a drink, so that's for him.

"We wish them all the love and we'll be here to help them throughout."

It was a poignant reminder that there are many things of far greater importance than football, but also that the game can provide important support and comfort through difficult times.

As Marc says, Nick and Ella come from a passionate United-supporting family and the 25-year-old's career for the Reds and with England was a massive part of his life.

To be able to dedicate this win to him, against our Merseyside rivals, was a fitting tribute to a man who will be greatly missed.

Ella herself put it best on Instagram, reacting to the celebration, simply stating: "MY TEAM ❤️"