Ella Toone’s Recovery Update and Manchester United’s New Signing

Ella Toone sustained a hip injury during the League Cup quarter-final victory over Tottenham on December 21, ruling her out of the Women’s Super League match against Arsenal that ended in a goalless draw.

Manchester United’s manager, Marc Skinner, has indicated that Toone has “a chance” of being available for the Champions League fixtures against Atletico Madrid in February. The 26-year-old midfielder is expected to be sidelined for a total of six to eight weeks due to her injury, with approximately half of that recovery time already elapsed.

As United prepares for the Champions League Round of 16, with the first leg on February 12 and the return leg a week later, Toone’s availability remains uncertain. In her absence, United has strengthened its attacking options by signing 21-year-old Swedish striker Ellen Wangerheim from Hammarby on a three-year deal.

Before her injury, Toone had been a consistent performer for United in the current WSL season, contributing three goals and five assists. Skinner emphasized the importance of taking a cautious approach to Toone’s recovery, stating, “We can’t rush her back. She will be ready for football before the end of the season for sure.”

Wangerheim joins a revamped United attack that also includes Germany’s Lea Schuller. The talented striker scored 17 goals for Hammarby, helping the team secure a second-place finish in the Swedish league last November. Despite being an unused substitute during Sweden’s penalty shootout loss to England in the European Championship quarter-finals last summer, Wangerheim brings significant potential to United.

Skinner believes Wangerheim’s addition will enhance the team’s unpredictability in their title quest, stating, “I thought we were becoming too predictable. The Manchester United spirit is about attacking with speed and invasion – and she brings that in abundance.”

Skinner described Wangerheim as a “rare find,” highlighting her blend of youth and experience, with over 3,000 minutes of play last season. He expressed confidence that her skills will further elevate the quality of United’s gameplay.

Fans can stay updated with the latest WSL news and follow the Women’s Football Weekly podcast, featuring Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie, with new episodes released every Tuesday.