‘An epic fightback’ – Blundell makes Man Utd return after giving birth

With a 3-2 victory over Brighton on Sunday, Manchester United continued their women’s super league unbeaten run with a strong performance.

With their fifth victory of the campaign, Marc Skinner’s side is now two goals away from leaders Chelsea and Manchester City, but many people couldn’t possibly overlook the most profound moment.

Right-back Hannah Blundell made a substitute debut shortly after Jess Park scored for United.

It appears to be just one of Skinner’s three adjustments made at the hour mark.

In reality, Blundell’s performance marked the start of a remarkable comeback, with her first appearance in more than a year following Romi’s birth.

She became the first United player to play after giving birth on the final day of the 2023-24 season in a 6-0 defeat to her former side Chelsea on the same day.

After her half-hour cameo, Blundell wrote on Instagram, “That felt good.”

“First minutes of the WSL after giving birth to my son Romi. Without my team-mates, physiotherapists, coaches, and of course my daughter and husband, who would have traveled a long way, we wouldn’t have arrived.

The 31-year-old replaced Canada international Jayde Riviere, who helped United hold on for a victory in a frantic finish.

It’s a fantastic story in itself, according to Skinner, to welcome back Hannah after giving birth.

“I think I’ll feel it in my own pride on the way home. She has worked extremely hard and has been anticipating it for a while.

Blundell, who left Chelsea in 2021, started for United for the first three seasons before helping the club win their first FA Cup in May 2024.

The club made the announcement that she was expecting her first child four months later.

Blundell’s contract was in its final year when it was announced, but the club triggered a retention clause to allow her to receive maternity pay and medical care.

Prior to the start of the 2014-15 campaign, Skinner immediately became aware of the pregnancy and began recruiting defenders.

Blundell gave birth to her daughter via caesarean section on March 31 of this year.

Romi and her baby were present for her first official run on July 4th, when she arrived at Carrington.

Being told to do nothing for six weeks was a real challenge for a football player who has always been active, Blundell wrote on Instagram after returning from training.

Knowing what my body had just gone through in order to give birth to my child, I had to accept it mentally.

Being able to run again and begin getting ready to play football after three months makes me feel happy and excited. But now my little girl is the one who needs me even more.

Blundell took a different approach in September when he appeared for United’s under-21 team.

I finally stepped back on the pitch after 16 months of playing in a competitive match, according to Blundell.

“Re-applying this shirt felt good. My love for football never wavered despite the journey that has involved patience, sacrifice, and resilience.

Before making her comeback on Sunday, she made the team for Chelsea on October 3 and continued to play for Valerenga, Everton, and Atletico Madrid unassisted.

The full-back impressed her former United teammate Nikita Parris, who currently plays for the London City Lionesses.

She has worked so hard to return and join a United squad that is strong on all fronts, according to Parris, who spoke to Sky Sports.

However, you must take an opportunity when given one, as Hannah has done.

The family believes that the United team sprit has been successful. The girls really stand by one another and fight for one another in the amazing dressing room.

A United team hoping to place in the top three in the WSL, believes former Scotland captain Rachel Corsie, who believes Blundell’s return could be a boost.