Hannah Blundell: Manchester United defender makes ‘epic resistance’ to play again after pregnancy

Blundell, who joined from Chelsea in 2021, was a regular for United in her first three seasons and was a starter when the club lifted the FA Cup for the first time in May 2024.

Four months later, the club announced that she was pregnant with her first child.

Blundell was in the final year of her contract when it was announced, but the club triggered a clause to keep her there for another year so she could receive maternity pay and medical support.

Skinner was informed of the pregnancy early and recruited two defenders in the transfer window before the start of last season.

On March 31 of this year, Blundell gave birth to her daughter by caesarean section.

On July 4, she returned to Carrington for her first post-partum tour, with Romy in her carriage.

“As a footballer and always an active person, being asked to do nothing for six weeks was a real challenge,” Blundell wrote on Instagram after returning to training.

“But I had to come to terms with it mentally, and figure out what my body had just gone through to bring my baby into the world.

“Three months later, being able to run again and starting to prepare to return to football, I am filled with joy and excitement. But now I also have an even bigger reason to keep going – my little girl.”

Blundell bounced back even further with his appearance for United’s under-21s in September.

“16 months after my last competitive match, I am finally back on the field,” Blundell said at the time.

“I felt happy to wear this shirt again. It has been a journey of patience, sacrifice and resilience – but my love for football has never left.”

She made the squad for the match against Chelsea on October 3 and remained an unused substitute against Valerenga, Everton and Atletico Madrid last month before finally returning on Sunday.

Her former United team-mate Nikita Parris, who currently plays for London City Lionesses, was in awe of the full-back.

“I’ve worked hard to come back and join a United team that is competing on all fronts and has a lot of quality,” Parris told Sky Sports.

“But when you get an opportunity, you take it, which is what Hannah did.

“The team spirit and family she feels she created at United has carried through her. It’s a great dressing room to be a part of and the girls stick together and fight for each other.”

Former Scotland captain Rachel Corsi believes Blundell’s return could be a boost for a United side looking to finish in the top three of the WSL.

“It’s a big boost for the players to see it [Blundell] counting. “It will give everyone a lot of energy when the games come thick and fast,” the former Aston Villa defender said.