Manchester United: Defender Gabby George set to miss rest of season after suffering ACL injury

Manchester United have been dealt a blow by news that defender Gabby George requires surgery after injuring her knee in a 1-1 draw at home to Leicester in the Women’s Super League on Sunday.

George, 26, lasted less than 10 minutes before rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament for the second time in her career and limping off.

After Manchester United confirmed the news, George vowed to "come back stronger" on social media.

"This one really does hurt," George wrote. "The welcome home has been bigger and better than I could have imagined.

"I promise to give my all during recovery to come back stronger.

"I’ve done it once and I will do it again. Stick with me, I have so much more to give."

George joined United in the summer from Everton and has made four appearances since her arrival.

Manager Marc Skinner insisted the club would do everything in its power to aid the defender’s recovery but said the road back will be long.

"I would always put 12 months on this sort of injury. She could come back sooner, but I would rather work back," Skinner said. "That's the sensible way to prepare, working backwards.

"We will support her and give her the best treatment, and we will make sure that she comes back from that stronger and even better than she was before.

"I asked Gabby if there was anything we could do and she said, 'Can you win in Paris?' and we will certainly try our best."

George’s ACL injury is the latest in what has quickly become a worrying trend in the women’s game.

Scottish duo Emma Watson and Caroline Weir ruptured their ACLs on international duty at the end of September, while Arsenal’s Leah Williamson and Vivienne Miedema both suffered serious knee injuries at the end of last season.

England and Arsenal striker Beth Mead has only just returned from the ACL injury she suffered 11 months ago.

Manchester United travel to Paris for the second leg of their clash with PSG on Wednesday night having drawn 1-1 with the French side at the Leigh Sports Village.

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