Manchester United’s WSL title bid has been dealt a major blow after Tobin Heath was ruled out for up to 12 weeks with an ankle injury.

Heath became the biggest signing in the Red Devils‘ short history when she and USWNT teammate Christen Press arrived from Portland Thorns in September, and she has been instrumental in United’s surprise title challenge this term.

The forward has hit four goals in seven appearances – including a screamer to trigger United’s Manchester derby comeback draw against rivals City in November – to leave her side very much in the mix at the league summit in just their second season as a top flight outfit.

Losing a player of Heath’s quality – a two time World Cup winner and double Olympic champion with 169 appearances for the all conquering USWNT – would be a blow to any side. But can United cope?

While Heath has instantly taken to life in the WSL, fellow USWNT arrival Press has taken a little longer to find her feet. Illness has disrupted the forward’s start to life in England and as a result United are yet to see the best from her.

With United losing one of the world’s best players for up to three months, now is the perfect time for their other world class forward to step up. The Red Devils have got themselves into the title race mix despite Press yet to start firing on all cylinders. They could be frightening when she unleashes her devastating best.

The arrival of Press and Heath in September threatened to push Leah Galton down the pecking order. The former Leeds winger was one of the Red Devils‘ star performers during their debut season in the WSL, primarily carrying their main creative threat. Instead of being dislodged by the USWNT additions, Casey Stoney moved Galton to left back, such is her importance to the team.

The various injuries and illnesses to United’s forward line over the last two months have seen Galton bumped back up to the left wing, where she has shone. The 26-year-old has five goals in her last five WSL appearances and scooped December’s Player of the Month award. That’s some real quality to call upon.

? A lesson in wing play by @LaurenJamess22 ?
? A lesson in finishing by @Leah_Galton21 ?
? A lesson in socially distanced celebrations by @Jackie_10_ ?#MUWomen #BarclaysFAWSL pic.twitter.com/hr88ARW1XW

— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) January 26, 2021

Lauren James is back to full fitness after her impact during the first half of the season was disrupted through injury. One of the most exciting young players in the league, she showed again how she is capable of changing a game with a moment of magic during United’s loss to Chelsea. Like Heath, James is a player who possesses match winning sparkle.

United have really begun flexing their strength in depth this season; winger Kirsty Hanson came off the bench to great affect against Manchester City, captain Katie Zelem has found herself out of the starting XI following the fine form of Ella Toone, England international Lucy Staniforth is yet to nail down a starting berth and they have still soared into the Champions League places despite the excellent Alessia Russo missing much of the season through injury.

The Red Devils have always been a very good team. In her two-and-a-half years in charge, Stoney has assembled an exceptionally well drilled unit with no reliance on one single player. Though the absence of Heath will be a blow, Stoney is too smart to have built a team solely dependent on the USWNT forward.