Staniforth delighted to be back

Manchester United Women travel to Aston Villa on Sunday evening, currently sat in third place in the Women’s Super League and unbeaten since February.

Staniforth is looking to make her return and be in the squad for the trip down to the Trevor Banks Memorial Stadium. 

"Training has been great all week and I’ve felt really good and I’ve felt like I’m ready to hit the ground running and pick up where I left off and hopefully contribute for the rest of the season."

On the prospect of securing Champions League football for next season, the England international stated that every moment counts now and can’t afford to be complacent.

"Every game, every training session, it all counts now for us and we’re aware of that.

"We need to make sure we start the game really strong, which is one of our strengths, I’m expecting them [Villa] to try and upset our run and spoil the party and our challenge for Champions League football."

The midfielder has been full of praise for the squad in her absence and said that she was relieved to get back on the grass in training.

"It’s been a little bit of a frustrating time personally," she told MUTV.

"I guess the process has been helped because the girls picked up some good results and played some good football.

"I felt like I was getting into a stride of playing, the team were doing well so it was really difficult to take."

Staniforth had knee surgery in February but since getting back to full fitness she recognised how strong and collected the current squad is.

"I know the girls were so happy to see me back in training, I think it's a credit to the people we have in the team that everyone takes a great interest in people’s recovery, added the Reds midfielder.

"It’s easy to get swept up in football when you’re playing it, the strength of our team is collective and even the people that are injured all play a part, so it’s really nice to be part of a team like that."