Ella Toone said the injury which ruled her out for two months was a “blessing in disguise” as the midfielder scored on her return in Manchester United’s 7-0 Women’s FA Cup win over West Brom.

Toone came off the bench with the Reds 1-0 up against their tier-three counterparts, thanks to Melvine Malard’s early finish.

Holders United were ruthless at the end as they scored six goals in 18 minutes, with substitute Rachel Williams scoring an impressive second-half hat-trick and Celin Bizet also netting twice.

But Toone’s effort was the pick of the bunch, as the England international curled the ball in off the crossbar from the edge of the box in the 83rd minute, marking her comeback in emphatic fashion.

“In the first half of the season I had a lot going on and it probably affected me more than I realised when I was out on the pitch,” Toone told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I was playing with a lot of pressure and probably not enjoying it as much as I should have been.

“I think that injury was a bit of a blessing in disguise, not only to come back stronger but fitter and mentally better as well.”

Toone struggled for form in the early part of the 2024-25 season and hadn’t scored prior to her injury, but picked the ball up on the edge of the box with confidence and guided it accurately beyond Anna Miller.

With her father, Nick, having passed away in September, the 25-year-old emotionally pointed to the sky in celebration.

“A lot of hard work has gone into getting me back on the pitch and feeling physically better, but also mentally better,” added Toone. “I feel like I’m in a good headspace at the minute.

“Obviously, some days are a lot tougher at the minute and that’s just grief and I’m learning to deal with that, but to be back out on the pitch tonight, it’s where I love, it’s my happy place.”