Grace Clinton hints at Man Utd return after public farewell to Tottenham
- Clinton went on a season-long loan to Spurs from United last year
- The midfielder penned a farewell to fans on social media
- United coach Marc Skinner keen to keep midfielder
Midfielder Grace Clinton has penned an emotional farewell to Tottenham Hotspur fans as she hinted at a return to parent club Manchester United, shattering any hopes of a permanent move after a successful loan spell.
The England international joined Spurs last August on a season-long loan and quickly became one of the club’s most instrumental players, helping them make history by reaching the Women’s FA Cup final.
Ahead of the summer transfer window opening, fans remained hopeful that Tottenham would propose a permanent deal to the 21-year-old. However, 90min revealed in June that United coach Marc Skinner had made it clear that Clinton was a part of the Red Devils’ future, under the premise that she is not loaned out again.
However, all parties had stayed quiet until Clinton took to social media platform Instagram to thanks Spurs fans, hinting at a potential move back to United.
"This past year was by far my happiest season of football," she wrote. "I loved every minute at this club and I've made friends for life along the way. I'm so beyond grateful to the staff and my teammates for making this club so special to be a part of.
"Most importantly, thank you to our fans for your unbelievable support this past year, you truly helped us make history and those are moments I will cherish with me."
Clinton’s clean sweep of Tottenham’s Players of the Season awards for the 2023/24 season make clear the mark she's left on the club. She was named the Supporters’ and Junior Supporters’ Player of the Season, before being named the Proud Lilywhites Player of the Season, as voted by their members.
Spurs head coach Robert Vilahamn will have to revisit the drawing board ahead of next season to ensure his team's successes can be maintained without the glue Clinton managed to create in midfield.
However, Tottenham's loss could may well be United's gain. The club has come under fire this summer after claims they weren't prioritising the women's side and subsequently saw a mass exit of crucial players, such as Mary Earps, Katie Zelem and Lucia Garcia.
Clinton's arrival back to the city could be the breath of fresh air they need to silence the critics and prove they are worthy title contenders after a disappointing fifth-placed finish last season.