Toone and team-mate Maya le Tissier had been talking at United’s pre-WSL season media day on Tuesday, lower than 48 hours after Skinner’s sudden departure.
They revealed Skinner had spoken to the gamers within the altering room on Monday morning and stated his goodbyes earlier than the information was introduced.
“There have obviously been a lot of challenges but a lot of nice moments as well,” stated United captain Le Tissier.
“It was sad, but we move on now. He brought me to the club as a kid, and gave me the captaincy – two of the greatest honours of my life. I have a lot to thank him for.”
United have stated they anticipate to nominate a brand new supervisor quickly, with the beginning of the 2026-27 WSL season solely a month away.
They are reportedly eager on a supervisor with a monitor document of growing younger gamers amid a renewed concentrate on recruiting youth at United, who’ve spent considerably much less on signings this summer time than a lot of their WSL rivals.
Toone and Le Tissier, two of the membership’s most skilled gamers, say they haven’t been consulted concerning the subsequent coach.
“We are not involved at all,” stated Le Tissier. “We have heard it will be soon, which will be beneficial for us – we have our first pre-season game soon.”
Toone added: “We have both played under so many different managers with different philosophies, we know we will give 100% and buy into what they want.
“The membership’s ambition is to convey by means of the youth but in addition look after the older ones within the group.
“I can’t believe that’s us – I’m 26, I’m not that old, but we are leaders so must step up. Whoever comes in it will be exciting and a different journey.”
It is a time of uncertainty at United, who’ve had 5 first-team gamers go away this summer time together with key striker Melvine Malard to Chelsea. Another, Gabby George, is set to join Brighton.
It comes amid doubts over funding within the girls’s group, with United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe criticised for his angle in the direction of girls’s soccer – he didn’t attend both of the group’s Women’s FA Cup remaining appearances at Wembley.
But Toone and Le Tissier stated the squad is collectively, and referred to as on supporters to get behind the group.
“I have been here from the start, and there has always been that family feeling around the team,” stated Toone. “We sit together in tough moments – there have been a few over the years. It might be difficult right now, but as soon as that new manager comes in we can knuckle down. We have to enjoy football and playing with each other.”
“Support the team no matter what – if you are proper fans you will be with us all the way,” added Le Tissier. “We give everything, and so did Marc.”
