Manchester United midfielder to miss key cup final

Manchester United’s push for silverware has suffered a setback after head coach Marc Skinner confirmed that influential midfielder Ella Toone is expected to miss the upcoming League Cup final against Chelsea. The 24-year-old has been sidelined with an injury sustained earlier this month, and although her recovery is progressing ahead of schedule, the showpiece match on 15 March at a venue yet to be announced comes too soon for a return.

Speaking exclusively to the club’s official media channels, Skinner provided a timeline update: “Tooney is on track, so hopefully around the end of March to be back and around with the group, and it accelerates when she is on the field then. If we don’t have any further knockbacks, which we haven’t done, it’s been pretty good the healing process, we then should hopefully have her back towards the end of March.”

When pressed specifically on the final, Skinner added: “It probably comes a bit too soon that one, I would imagine aiming roughly around the City game, to be in and around, to see where we’re at. Hopefully, we can welcome her back then.”

Toone’s absence represents a significant blow for United, who currently occupy second place in the Women’s Super League and are chasing a first major domestic trophy since the team was re-formed in 2018. The academy graduate has started every League Cup fixture this term, scoring twice and providing a team-high four assists en route to the final.

Skinner, however, remains confident that his squad’s depth can offset the loss. United have already coped without captain Katie Zelem and defender Aoife Mannion for stretches this season, with summer signings Melvine Malard and Lisa Naalsund slotting seamlessly into midfield rotations. Youngsters such as 19-year-old Grace Clinton have also impressed, registering two goals and three assists in cup competitions.

The timing of Toone’s projected return—pencilled in for the Manchester derby against City in late March—means she could feature in the run-in should United progress in the league and the Women’s FA Cup. For now, Skinner’s immediate focus is on preparing a game plan minus one of his most creative outlets.

Chelsea, the defending League Cup holders, will provide a stern test. Emma Hayes’ side have lifted the trophy in four of the last six editions and boast the league’s most potent attack, led by Sam Kerr and Lauren James. United defeated the Blues 2–1 in the WSL at Leigh Sports Village in November, but that victory came with Toone pulling the strings from the No. 10 role.

Kick-off for the final is scheduled for 12:15 GMT, live on BBC One and BT Sport, giving Skinner’s side a national platform to underline their rapid ascent. Whether they can cap the season with a maiden trophy may now depend on how effectively they can reconfigure midfield combinations in Toone’s stead.

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