Blundell, who joined from Chelsea in 2021, was a regular starter for United in her first three seasons and was a starter as the club lifted their first FA Cup in May 2024.
Four months later, the club announced she was pregnant with her first child.
Blundell was in the final year of her contract when the announcement was made, but the club triggered a clause to keep her there for another year so she could access maternity pay and medical support.
Skinner was made aware of the pregnancy early on and recruited defenders in the transfer window before the start of last season.
On 31 March this year, Blundell gave birth to her daughter by caesarean section.
On 4 July she returned to Carrington for her first proper run after giving birth, with Romi in attendance in her pram.
“As a footballer and someone who’s always been active, being told to do nothing for six weeks was a real challenge,” Blundell posted on Instagram after returning to training.
“But it was something I had to come to terms with mentally, knowing what my body had just been through to bring my baby into the world.
“Fast forward three months, and being able to run again and start getting ready to return to football fills me with joy and excitement. But now I’ve also got an even bigger reason to push forward – my little girl.”
Blundell made more steps back with appearances for United’s under-21s in September.
“16 months since my last competitive match, I finally stepped back on the pitch,” Blundell said back then.
“Felt good to put this shirt back on. It’s been a journey of patience, sacrifice, and resilience – but my love for football never left.”
She made the matchday squad against Chelsea on 3 October and remained an unused substitute against Valerenga, Everton and Atletico Madrid last month before finally getting her comeback on Sunday.
Her former United team-mate Nikita Parris, who currently plays for London City Lionesses, was in awe of the full-back.
“She has worked so hard to come back and get into a United squad that is competing on all fronts and has a lot of quality,” Parris told Sky Sports.
“But when you get an opportunity, you have to take it, which Hannah has done.
“The team sprit and the family feel they’ve created at United have carried them. It’s an amazing dressing room to be part of and the girls really stick by each other and fight for each other.”
Former Scotland captain Rachel Corsie believes Blundell’s return could be a fillip for a United side eyeing a top-three finish in the WSL.
“It’s a big boost for the players to see [Blundell] come back. That will give everyone a lot of energy when the fixtures come thick and fast,” the former Aston Villa defender said.
