Ella Toone took the time to thank departing Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner for guiding her through the "worst thing you could ever imagine". 

It was announced on Monday that Skinner had left the club by mutual consent, just over a month before the Red Devils' Women's Super League campaign gets underway. 

During his five years with United, Skinner took charge of 166 matches across all competitions, winning 106 of those, drawing 26 and losing 38 times. 

The 43-year-old led the club to their first major trophy in 2024 when they lifted the Women's FA Cup as well as helping them qualify for the Champions League group stage.

Skinner's contract had been due to run until at least 2027, having signed a two-year extension with a one-year option last summer, but instead decided to leave the club. 

And Toone expressed her gratitude to Skinner for everything he did off the pitch for her, particularly the support he gave when her father passed away in September 2024. 

"Me and Marc worked together for five years, and I have grown so much as a player and as a person," Toone told BBC Sport. 

"I went through the worst thing you could ever imagine, and he was there throughout it all.

"He was there as a shoulder to cry on, but gave me freedom on the pitch to express myself. I will always be grateful that he was there to see me through that time.

"We had honest conversations. He was a good person, and he helped me come back to give everything for the team.

"For everyone else, he made time to get to know players as people were away from the football pitch. I'll be grateful for our time together."

During Skinner's tenure, no player had more appearances (98) or registered more assists (27) than Toone in the WSL.

The England international also ranked second for goals (24), a total only bettered by Leah Galton (25), while only Katie Zelem (154) created more chances than Toone's 149. 

United begin their 2026-27 campaign away to London City Lionesses on September 4, hoping to improve on last season's fourth-place finish.