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The Manc - 24th March 2020

News

Manchester United and Lionesses star Ella Toone is now officially an MBE

Danny Jones

Ella Toone made and MBE for services to football

Man United Women and Lionesses star Ella Toone is now officially an MBE after collecting the award this week.

The Greater Mancunian has grown to become one of the most influential female players of the modern era, and now her impact has been immortalised by the monarchy.

One of several Manc figures to have been named on the annual Honours List, including the Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, it was another great year for the region.

While multiple famous sporting faces featured on the most recent edition, Toone is one of the few to be named on behalf of association football.

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A post shared by Manchester United Women (@manutdwomen)

Being recognised for services to the discipline on Tuesday, 19 May, the local athlete finally collected her accolade at Windsor Castle.

Presented to her by Prince William, the Tyldesley-born attacker said in a statement: “It’s been amazing. It’s a bit of a pinch-me moment to be here and be honoured with an MBE.

“I never thought when I started out playing football I’d now be called Ella Toone MBE, so it’s a bit crazy.”

Having suffered a tough time out with injury, the 26-year-old also insists she is now back feeling “better and stronger than ever.”

With Sarina Wiegman’s official squad selection for the qualifiers ahead of FIFA’s 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, she’s also looking forward to reuniting with her England teammates.

Here she is talking to Sky ahead of the games, not long after receiving the award:

"I've missed it so much, can't wait to be back with the girls" 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Ella Toone is looking forward to meeting up with her England teammates next month for World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/K02nJbSkE0
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 19, 2026

Speaking back in December, she confessed that it’s all been “a bit mad” for her ever since she learned of the news, but her worthiness speaks for itself.

Winning not only back-to-back Euros titles with the national side, along with the first-ever UEFA Women’s Finalissima trophy in 2023, but also inspiring young kids dreaming of becoming footballers across the country and beyond.

Congratulations once again, ‘Tooney’ – beyond well-deserved.

Across the city, it’s great to see yet more groundbreaking investment in the women’s game being made for generations to come.

Manchester City reveal new state-of-the-art women’s football facility

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Manchester United/Ella Toone (via Instagram)/James Boyes (via Flickr)

News

Poignant plans to mark ninth anniversary of Manchester Arena attack announced

Emily Sergeant

Manchester City Council has announced its plans to mark the ninth anniversary of the Manchester Arena attack.

This Friday 22 May 2026, it will be exactly eight years since a terror attack saw 22 people tragically lose their lives, and left thousands more injured and affected, during a bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena back in 2017.

Every year, the city of Manchester comes together and joins the rest of the world in marking the day and remembering those who went to a concert and never returned home.

Manchester City Council has now confirmed how the city plans to mark the day.

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As has been the case for the past few years since it opened to the public, the focal point for this year’s personal remembrance and reflection will be the permanent Glade of Light memorial, near Manchester Cathedral.

The new Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr Shaukat Ali,, Manchester City Council Leader, Cllr Bev Craig, and Council Chief Executive, Tom Stannard, will each lay floral tributes at the memorial on behalf of the people of the city in memory of those who lost their lives.

The names of those who sadly died will also be read out on 22 May during services at Manchester Cathedral – firstly at 9am (Morning Prayers), then at 1:10pm (Holy Communion), and finally at 5:30pm (Choral Evensong).

The Cathedral will also be open throughout the day for those who wish to light a candle or pray.

The Glade of Light memorial honours the lives lost in the Manchester Arena attack — Poignant plans to mark the ninth anniversary of Manchester Arena attack have been announced / Credit: The Manc Group | David Dixon (via Geograph)

Floral tributes are usually laid at Manchester Victoria to remember the victims of the terror attack. Credit: Geograph, David Dixon — Poignant plans to mark the ninth anniversary of Manchester Arena attack have been announced / Credit: The Manc Group | David Dixon (via Geograph)

Two one-minute silences will take place at Manchester Victoria station during the day too – one at 12 noon, and then one at and 10:31pm, which is the exact anniversary of the attack.

“Manchester will never forget those who lost their lives in the 22 May 2017 terror attack, nor the many others who were injured or otherwise affected,” Cllr Bev Craig said ahead of the plans to formally mark the anniversary this Friday.

“Time passes but we will not allow their memories to fade.

“On the ninth anniversary of that terrible day, we also remember the remarkable solidarity shown by the city in refusing to give in to hatred, and the resilience and courage shown by the loved ones of those who were killed and by survivors.”

Featured Image – Manchester City Council