Manchester United Women have issued an Aoife Mannion injury update. The 26-year-old defender has been absent for a few games now and the club have confirmed she has sustained an ACL injury.
Mannion had become a mainstay in Marc Skinner’s side before the injury, earning herself some popularity amongst United supporters despite previously playing for Manchester City.
Aoife Mannion Injury Update: United Defender Sidelined
Wishing you a speedy recovery, @AoifeMannion_ ❤#MUWomen
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) March 19, 2022
Injuries No Help In Top Three Battle
Manchester United’s centre-back troubles got so bad in midweek that they were left with just one on Wednesday night when drawing 1-1 with West Ham United. Club captain Katie Zelem, usually a midfielder, filled in alongside natural central defender Diane Caldwell, who signed for the club in January.
Millie Turner and Maria Thorisdottir were absent alongside Mannion. Even Hayley Ladd, who plays as a midfielder for United but has often been utilised as a centre-back on international duty with Wales was missing after she got injured during the last international break.
Manchester United say Mannion is “currently being supported by the club’s medical team who are working tirelessly on her rehabilitation.”
It’s not helpful to a side, who currently hold the third and final Champions League spot, under strong pressure from rivals City, who have regained their form.
City are three points shy of United in the FA Women’s Super League and have a game in hand. United do have a six-goal advantage when it comes to goal difference but failure to close out what would have been a 1-0 win v West Ham United, conceding a late equaliser, will have been detrimental to their hopes. The Red Devils now likely have to be near perfect for the remainder of the campaign.
Mannion Determined to Get Back
On the announcement of her ACL injury, Aoife Mannion told manutd.com: “I’m determined more than ever to return to the team. Thankfully, I had successful surgery a few weeks ago and am recovering well. I want to thank our fans for their continued support and can’t wait to pull on the red shirt again.”
Mannion has been a good fit at United, who play most of their home games at Leigh Sports Village. She has been a regular since joining up with head coach Marc Skinner, who she previously worked with at Birmingham City, in the summer.
This is Skinner’s first season in charge of United and the target of achieving Champions League football has been clear since day one.
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