WITH a Batman-esque mask protecting her broken nose, Ella Toone was the hero of Manchester United's fourth-round FA Cup tie at Leigh Sports Village.
After some criticism of her form in recent weeks, Tyldesley star Toone was back to her best on Sunday, January 14, as United's women's team thrashed third-tier Newcastle 5-0.
From the first whistle, Toone was hot on her heels as almost all of United's attacking moves went through their number seven.
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After a drilled shot was tipped onto the post in the opening minutes, Toone broke the deadlock in the 28th minute after looping a perfectly placed strike over the opposition goalkeeper.
Wearing a protective mask following a broken nose sustained in a friendly against PSV Eindhoven in Malta, the masked Toone basked in the celebrations and stood proud with her hands on her hips.
The United midfielder then delivered a cross to assist Nikita Parris in the 36th minute and was all over the pitch for the 5-0 rout.
Speaking to Manchester United TV after the game, Ella said: "We knew it was going to be a difficult game [...] but it was nice to get on the score sheet and it was a good time to score just before half time.
"I thought they started really well but we kept breaking them down and creating lots of chances so I'm happy that mine went in."
Asked about the celebration and future FA Cup rounds, she added: "Obviously I was wearing the mask because I broke my nose in Malta [...] so I was Batman and a few of the girls jumped on it as well.
"We're just taking each game as it comes. We got to the final last year and fell short right at the end, so I think that's made us more hungry than ever and we want to go that one step further."
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