Why Millie Turner is so important for Man Utd

Manchester United defender Millie Turner was presented with a special shirt on the pitch ahead of her team’s FA Cup victory over Durham, commemorating her landmark 100th appearance for the club just prior to the February international break.

In that win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Turner became only the third United player to reach the landmark when she joined Ella Toone and Katie Zelem.

The 26-year-old, who briefly spent time in the club’s youth system before starting her senior career at Everton, was recruited in 2018 when United’s first-team squad was reformed. She has been an important player throughout that time and has gone from strength to strength this season since returning from a career threatening health problem diagnosed at the start of 2022.

With Turner partnering new signing Maya Le Tissier at the heart of the defence, United have enjoyed the best defensive record in the WSL this season – seven goals conceded in 13 games.

Pledgeball’s Katie Cross & Canaries Trust’s Sarah Greaves join Shebahn Aherne to have football’s climate conversation about the success of Green Football Weekend. If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!

Turner’s ability on the pitch is clear to see, but she is an invaluable asset behind the scenes too – even last season when she was ruled out indefinitely on medical grounds, the former Bristol City captain continued to travel with the team on matchdays.

“She is a constant – her mood never goes too high or too low,” manager Marc Skinner explained.

“She’s a connecting person, she connects people to people. If you’re ever having a bad day, just look at Millie. There is always a beautiful smile on her face, always high energy.

“I mean in this in the most positive way – she’s a really simple person. She values life, fun and good conversation, so she’s a real great person to have in our environment.”

Turner was due to be out of contract at the end of this season but recently penned a fresh deal that will now keep at United until the summer of 2025.

For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter!