Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur – Vitality Womens FA Cup Final – Wembley
London, May 12th 2024: Hannah Blundell (6 Manchester United) with the trophy during the Womens FA Cup Final game between Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium, London, England on May 12th 2024 (Pedro Soares / SPP)

Hannah Blundell made her official return from maternity leave as Manchester United beat Brighton and Hove Albion 3-2 in the Women’s Super League.

It makes her the first United player in the professional era to return to play after giving birth.

The defender had a daughter, Romi, earlier this year. She played for the United under-21s in September as she looked to get minutes in her legs.

And on Sunday she replaced Jayde Riviere on 60 minutes at the Broadfield Stadium for her first Women’s Super League match since the end of the 2023-24 season.

Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner was delighted for his player.

“I’ll probably feel it on the way home, just the pride for her,” Skinner told Sky Sports after the match.

“She’s waited a long time and she’s working extremely hard. Jayde’s playing well so it’s hard for her. I thought when she came on...