Ella Toone has paid an emotional tribute to Marc Skinner following his departure from Manchester United, thanking her former head coach for guiding her through the "worst thing you could ever imagine".

United confirmed on Monday that Skinner had left the club by mutual consent, little more than a month before the Red Devils kick off their Women's Super League campaign. The 43-year-old's exit brings an end to a five-year tenure in which he transformed the club's fortunes, delivering their first major trophy – the Women's FA Cup in 2024 – and steering them into the Champions League group stage.

Skinner took charge of 166 matches across all competitions during his time at the helm, recording 106 wins, 26 draws and 38 defeats. His contract had been due to run until at least 2027, after he signed a two-year extension with a one-year option last summer, but he has instead chosen to move on.

Toone: 'I went through the worst thing you could ever imagine'

For Toone, the loss goes beyond football. The England international singled out the support Skinner gave her when her father passed away in September 2024, revealing the human side of a manager she worked alongside for half a decade.

"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."

Skinner's record speaks for itself

The statistics underline just how central Toone was to Skinner's United. During his tenure, no player made more appearances (98) or registered more assists (27) than the midfielder in the WSL. She also ranked second for goals with 24, a tally bettered only by Leah Galton (25), while just Katie Zelem (154) created more chances than Toone's 149.

United now face the task of replacing one of the most successful managers in their history ahead of the new season. They begin their 2026-27 campaign away to London City Lionesses on September 4, where they will look to improve on last season's fourth-place finish – and do so without the man who helped shape the careers of so many of their key players.