Man Utd midfielder reveals secret behind their improvement this season

Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone admits Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City felt like two points dropped in the WSL title race.

Toone was influencial once again for Marc Skinner’s side as her through ball allowed Leah Galton to tuck home the opener in front of 44,000 fans at the Etihad, however, an improved second half display from Man City saw Laura Coombs level the scores early in the second half. The result meant United dropped to third in the league and continued their long run against their Manchester rivals without a win, though 23-year-old Toone pointed to their disappointment was evidence of the team’s changed mentality this season.

“Personally, I’m disappointed. You want to win a Manchester derby. But that just shows the spirit we have in the team. We want to go out and win every single game, so when you do drop two points it isn’t the result you want” she told the Women’s Football Podcast.

“We know they (City) like the ball and like to keep possession. It was about us being patient and when we got the ball to keep it ourselves. It changed in game, they had spells on the ball, we had spells on the ball. Both sides created chances so probably in the end it was a fair result.

“We’ll take it and move on. We’ll review the game and look at things we need to improve on and hopefully next time take our chances”.

Despite not winning the game, United still sit three points ahead of their Manchester neighbours, with the Red Devils having lost only once so far this season - a run which has seen them defeat title rivals Arsenal on their own patch last month - their first win against one of the WSL’s top three.

“I think people look at us now as a big team and a team they need and want to beat. We know we can go anywhere and get three points, so that’s why we are a bit disappointed as a team today. I think if we take our chances it could have been three points.”

Toone was quick to heap praise on the travelling fans, with a designated away end once again making themselves heard throughout the game.

“We know how amazing our fans are, they follow us up and down the country and they made today special for us. They were our 12th person, as they always are”.

United play their final game of the year this Sunday, as they take on Sheffield United in Continental Cup action. Kick off is scheduled for 12pm.