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The Manchester United midfielder has reflected on her own progress after a summer of change at United and on the continued growth of the Women’s Super League.

Ella Toone has been central to Manchester United Women ever since the team was formed, and with the club stepping into a new phase this season, the midfielder says she still has plenty more to offer.

Marc Skinner’s five-year tenure ended this summer, with former Hearts manager Eva Olid appointed as United’s new boss in what will be her first role in the Women’s Super League. There has also been major movement in the squad, with Leah Galton, Hannah Blundell, Millie Turner, Lisa Naalsund, Melvine Malard and Gabby George among those to leave.

Toone, however, remains at the club she describes as home as United gear up for another demanding WSL season, with the 26-year-old determined to keep moving forward in her game.

“I know that as someone who has been here for a long time, sometimes it can be hard to find that motivation or become a bit complacent,” Toone said. “But because of the person I am, I want to be the best I can be.
“As a player and as a person, I always want to improve and push myself. I have that motivation to get up and give 100% every day.
“I feel like I’ve got a really high ceiling and there’s still a long way for me to go as long as I come in and learn and develop every day.”
With so much changing at the club, Toone has now become one of United’s senior figures, a responsibility she is enjoying growing into.
“I’m 26 and for some reason I’m now in the older category at this club,” Toone said. “But I take a lot of pride in the fact that I’ve played a lot of games for Manchester United and I know that people can lean on me.
“I have to be a leader in this team and show them what it means to play for Manchester United. It’s something that I take in my stride.”

United will be playing in an increasingly competitive WSL this season as the league continues to expand and draw some of the biggest names in world football.
Former Barcelona star Alexia Putellas is one of the headline arrivals in England this summer after joining London City Lionesses, while the league has now grown to 14 teams. Toone believes that rising competition is a major reason why the WSL has become such an appealing destination for players from across the globe.
“We know that this league is one of the best in the world because no matter who plays who, they can take points off anyone,” she added.
“No game is an easy game in this league, every game is really tough and that’s why we attract such amazing players and talents from all across the world - they want to play in a league that’s so challenging and competitive.

This league is one of the best in the world because no matter who plays who, they can take points off anyone

“It’s grown so much in the time that I’ve been part of it and that’s down to clubs investing more and bringing top world-class players in from all over the world.
“It gets bigger and better every year, so it’s exciting to be a part of that change and that journey within women’s football.”
That greater investment across the WSL forms an interesting backdrop to United’s own summer, which has largely been defined by departures and has prompted questions over whether the club are matching the spending of their rivals - champions Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as the newly promoted London City Lionesses.

Although United reached the Champions League quarter-finals last season in their first campaign in the main competition, they will not be involved in Europe this season after finishing fourth in the league.

Their revamped squad now leaves Olid with further work to do if United are to close the gap to the sides above them.
But for Toone, now the only remaining original player from the side formed in 2018, the priority is her own continued improvement and giving everything in another season with the club that made her fall in love with football.
And for a lifelong United supporter, few opportunities are bigger than playing at Old Trafford, where United will host Arsenal in their final home match of the season.
“It means everything to play at Old Trafford,” she added. “I think it means everything to everyone who plays for Manchester United to play at one of the best stadiums in the world in Old Trafford in front of our fans, family and friends. It’s always an amazing opportunity for us and one that we enjoy.
“But Leigh Sports Village is our home and has been for a long time - we love it when we fill that stadium, but of course we look forward to our Old Trafford games every year.”