The Republic of Ireland's Aoife Mannion has made a return to the pitch after a nine-month hiatus due to injuries.
Mannion was only on the pitch briefly for team Manchester United against Southampton in the FA Cup on Monday, 12 February 2024. Lots of love poured in for her return from her high-profile teammates, excited to see Mannion back in action after struggling with injuries since 2019.
The squad was pumped to see @AoifeMannion_ back out there 🥹🫶#MUWomen || #WomensFACup pic.twitter.com/tYFuaxOZJk
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) February 12, 2024
Standout defender
Mannion's return to Manchester United comes as a welcome relief to both the team and its fans. Having made her Republic of Ireland debut in February 2023, she quickly became a standout player, lauded for her tenacity and exceptional ball-playing skills as a center-half.
The English-born defender was in fierce contention for a spot in Vera Pauw's World Cup squad and she was eager to add to her two caps for Ireland. All seemed to be working in her favour until May 2023. Mannion made her last appearance for Manchester United was as a sub in May 2023 during the FA Cup final but shortly afterwards, she suffered a knee injury that ruled her out of the World Cup and then a quad tear which sidelined her from September.
🗣️ "I feel a little bit overwhelmed by how special it's been."
Aoife Mannion speaks after making her debut for Ireland. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/YPDLIqkOVR— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) February 22, 2023
Road to recovery
Mannion's journey to recovery began at the esteemed Sutter Rehabilitation Institute in Roseville. This inpatient rehabilitation facility is renowned for providing intensive individualized care to patients facing life-altering injuries. With a focus on helping patients regain their independence, the institute offers one-on-one therapy, group treatments, and cutting-edge robotic rehabilitation technologies.
Looking to the future
Although the Irish team's defence has been a point of strong competition, Mannion's return could prove instrumental in securing a key role for her in the European Championship qualification later this year.
As the team's injury list continues to improve, with players like Louise Quinn, Niamh Fahey, Leanne Kiernan, Jess Ziu, and Megan Campbell all returning to action, the future looks promising for Mannion and her teammates.
@aoifemannion_ IS BACK🔥
Standout defender Aoife has made a return to the pitch for @ManUtdWomen after nine months of rehabilitation.
Great to see her back in action👏 Hopefully we'll get to see her add to her two Irish caps! pic.twitter.com/EYWqie19Bb— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) February 13, 2024
