Manchester United: Ella Toone can become club 'legend', says manager Marc Skinner
- Published
Ella Toone has been tipped to become a Manchester United "legend" by boss Marc Skinner after becoming the first female player to reach 50 goals for the club.
The 24-year-old England midfielder scored twice as United came from behind to comfortably beat Everton 4-1 in the Women's Super League on Sunday.
"It's a really special day for me," said Toone, who grabbed her 50th and then 51st goal for United.
"It's so nice to score for your club but to score 50 is a dream come true."
United fell behind after only 10 minutes with a goal from Everton's Katja Snoeijs, but the hosts scored four second-half goals to move fourth and keep alive their slim chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League.
Millie Turner headed in the first from a right-wing corner, before Toone netted twice in a five-minute spell.
She fired low into the net from 20 yards for her first and then finished off following Lisa Naalsund's bright run, before substitute Leah Galton sealed the victory with a low strike late on for United's fourth.
Toone has played 46 times for England, with 19 goals, and scored in the Lionesses' 2-1 win over Germany in the European Championship final at Wembley in July 2022.
She joined United in 2018, helping them win promotion to the Women's Super League in her first season, and her 51 goals have included 25 in the WSL, 14 in the Championship, five in the FA Cup and seven in the League Cup.
"I actually forgot if I scored another goal it was my 50th because I've been on 49 for that long," added Toone.
"It's really nice to be the first Man Utd women's player to reach 50 goals, but for me it's not about that, it's about winning games week in, week out.
"It's been quite a while without getting a goal and that's what I pride myself on, goals and assists. I'm really happy with today, especially going into the international break."
Skinner feels Toone is getting reward for her hard work.
"What people don't see about Ella Toone, especially over the last 10 weeks, is she has been working on her finishing every day and always wants to do a bit more," he said.
"Right now she is in a fantastic head space. That's 50 and 51 goals for the club and she is the first player to achieve that.
"There aren't many people that will score 50-51 for this club and that shows her special she is. I hope she goes on to get hundreds, she can be a legend for this club."