Ella Toone has suffered a major injury setback, with the Manchester United midfielder expected to be sidelined until at least March. The England international has a bone stress in her hip but won’t require surgery, with Marc Skinner confirming she will return before the end of the season.

“She’ll be back before the end of the season. So, it’s probably about six to 10 weeks, depending on how it was from the point of it. So, you’re probably looking around six to eight weeks, something like that. Yeah, she’ll be back before the end of the season and ready to go. We’ll be looking forward to welcoming her back,” Skinner said.

Massive Loss for United’s Top Three Push

The timing could not be worse for United, who are entering the business end of the season fighting for a top three finish. Toone has started in 11 of United’s 12 WSL games this season with three goals and five assists to her name. Her five assists lead the entire league in creating chances for teammates, making her absence absolutely devastating for the Red Devils.

United sit fifth in the WSL table with a gap already forming between them and Chelsea in second. Only the top three teams earn automatic Champions League qualification and losing your most creative player for two months during this crucial period is a nightmare scenario.

Will Miss Champions League Last 16

Toone will definitely miss United’s Champions League last 16 tie against Atletico Madrid in early February. The Red Devils beat the Spanish side 1-0 in the league phase but facing them without their most creative midfielder makes the task significantly harder.

If the 26 year old returns in six weeks as expected, she could be back shortly after March’s international break. However, it is highly unlikely Toone will be fit enough to join Sarina Wiegman’s first England squad in 2026.

Also read: Ella Toone Stars With Goal and Three Assists as England Thrash China 8-0 at Wembley in Dominant Display

Manchester United have announced the signing of Sweden international Ellen Wangerheim on a three-year deal running until June 2029. The 21-year-old forward joins from Hammarby IF, confirming rumours that have been circulating for days and reported extensively in the Swedish media.

Wangerheim said: “I am so excited. It feels amazing to be here. It’s a huge club with big history. So sitting here in this shirt is a proud moment for me. It’s always been my dream to move abroad and to play in another country, in Europe and in a really big football club.”

Matt Johnson Secures One of Europe’s Best Young Talents

Director of women’s football Matt Johnson pulled off an excellent piece of business, beating several clubs to Wangerheim’s signature. “Ellen is one of Europe’s best young talents. As a dynamic, invasive and versatile forward Ellen brings variation and a natural scoring instinct to the team. Everyone at the club is excited to have her at Manchester United and the opportunity to help maximise her potential.”

The forward made over 100 appearances for Hammarby, winning the OBOS Damallsvenskan title and Swedish Cup in 2023. She was part of the Hammarby side that United played in the UEFA Women’s Champions League back in August, a match United won 1-0. That performance clearly caught Marc Skinner’s eye.

International Pedigree at Just 21

Wangerheim made her senior debut for Sweden in April 2024 in a 1-1 draw with England at Wembley Stadium, announcing herself on the international stage at a major venue. Her early call up demonstrates the high regard in which Swedish coaches hold her abilities.

Manchester United sit fifth in the WSL and desperately need attacking reinforcements after struggling for goals at times this season. Wangerheim represents the type of young, hungry talent that could transform their fortunes.

Also read: Sam Coffey makes feelings clear in farewell message as she joins WSL giants

Manchester United officially recalled 19-year-old midfielder Emma Watson from her season-long loan at Crystal Palace on January 12, 2026.

The Scotland international was set to spend the entire campaign at the South London club but returned to her parent club at the halfway point.
Watson becomes the third Manchester United player recalled this January window following Evie Rabjohn and Keira Barry as head coach Marc Skinner strategically reshapes his squad depth for the title push ahead.

Crystal Palace Development Period

Watson joined Crystal Palace in August 2025 on a season-long loan after spending the previous campaign on loan at Everton. During her time at Palace, she made eight competitive appearances and scored two goals, including an assist against Sunderland in October.

She earned the TEN Player of the Month award following impressive displays throughout October when she scored a brace against Ipswich Town. Her performances demonstrated maturity and composure as she adapted quickly to senior football demands despite her young age and new surroundings.

Manchester United’s Strategic Recruitment Window

Watson returns to Carrington as Manchester United completed signings of Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich and Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave.

The club aims to build squad depth across all positions for their title challenge and four-competition objectives. Watson made her Manchester United debut in November 2024 during a Women’s League Cup group-stage clash with Everton before scoring her first goal against Newcastle United in the same competition. An anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained while on international duty in September 2023 initially impacted her development but she has since returned to full fitness.

Uncertain Future Path

Manchester United has not confirmed whether Watson will feature in first team plans or could be sold to another club during the remainder of the January window. Her return provides Marc Skinner with attacking midfield options as United bid to challenge Manchester City for the league title while maintaining their Champions League and domestic cup ambitions.

Also read: After two-and-a-half years, Janice Cayman departs Leicester City for PSV