Manchester United's Hannah Blundell has made a stunning return to football after a year-long hiatus following the birth of her daughter, Romi. The 31-year-old defender came on as a substitute in United's 3-2 win over Brighton on Sunday, marking her first appearance in over 533 days.
Blundell's comeback is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. After helping United win their maiden FA Cup in 2024, Blundell announced her pregnancy and gave birth to Romi on March 31. She returned to training in July and made appearances for United's under-21s in September, before finally getting her chance to play in the Women's Super League.
"That felt good," Blundell wrote on Instagram after her half-hour cameo. "First minutes back in the WSL after giving birth to my baby Romi. Long journey but wouldn't have got here without my team-mates, physios, coaches and of course my husband and daughter."
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner praised Blundell's determination, saying, "Welcoming back Hannah after pregnancy is a fantastic story in itself. She's been waiting a long time and worked extremely hard. When she came on she showed the true quality and class she already has, so I want to congratulate her on an epic fightback to come back."
Blundell's return is a significant boost for United, who are competing for a top-three finish in the WSL. Former Scotland captain Rachel Corsie believes Blundell's comeback will energize the team, saying, "It's a big boost for the players to see [Blundell] come back. That will give everyone a lot of energy when the fixtures come thick and fast."
Blundell's journey back to football has been inspiring, with her former team-mate Nikita Parris praising her hard work and dedication. "She has worked so hard to come back and get into a United squad that is competing on all fronts and has a lot of quality," Parris told Sky Sports.
As United continues to push for a top-three finish in the WSL, Blundell's return will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the team. Her story serves as a testament to the power of determination and perseverance, and a reminder that with hard work and support, anything is possible.
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