Millie Turner's Health Battle Comeback: 'I've Never Had a Plan B'
Manchester United defender Millie Turner has revealed details of a serious health scare that threatened her football career, followed by a remarkable comeback that saw her make her England debut. The 29-year-old centre-half, who grew up in Manchester, has been a key part of United's rise in women's football since joining in 2018.
A Football-Obsessed Childhood
Turner, who grew up in a football-obsessed household with her twin brother Bruce and younger brother Jake - a professional goalkeeper for Gillingham FC - says football has always been her sole focus. "I've never had a Plan B. I just wanted to play football," she explains, recalling how she would even brush her teeth with a football at her feet as a young girl.
Representing Manchester United holds special significance for Turner, who spent time in the club's academy before a women's team even existed. "Growing up in Manchester, I know how big the club is," she says. "At the time, when I was younger, there wasn't a women's team to look up to, so to be able to come back and play for the club I grew up at is so special."
The Health Scare That Threatened Everything
In 2022, Turner faced her biggest challenge when she was diagnosed with carotid artery dissection - a tear in one of the main arteries between the heart and brain that increases stroke risk. The first symptoms appeared over Christmas when she noticed changes in her speech and vision.
"My speech was a bit blurred, I was mixing my words up. I could also feel my heartbeat in my ear, and my vision just wasn't right," she recalls. After tests and scans confirmed the diagnosis, she faced six months of strict limitations with no football and heart rate restrictions.
"It 100% crossed my mind that my career might be over, especially after the doctors said there was a high risk of potentially having a stroke," Turner admits. Thankfully, after six difficult months, the artery healed naturally. "When I got the news that it had healed, I just burst into tears. It was such a huge relief, after a really tough time."
A Dream England Debut
Her comeback reached a pinnacle in February 2024 when she made her senior England debut during a 5-1 win against Italy. "It's what I've worked a long time for," she says. "And it was even more special because my dad was able to come out and watch. To make that debut with him there meant a lot."
Turner has witnessed significant growth in women's football during her career. "Since the girls won the Euros, the game has just gone crazy, in a good way," she observes. "When we were younger, nothing was full-time, and the game wasn't where it should be. Being part of the journey to where it is now is incredible."
Life Away From Football
Away from the pitch, Turner describes enjoying a "simple" life with her Bernedoodle dog Pongo, who has become something of a social media star with his own Instagram account and appearances in YouTube series Golden Paw. "Oh, Pongo is a big part of our lives," she laughs. "Taking him out for walks just helps take our minds off everything."
Despite occasionally swapping her preferred tracksuits for heels for teammate Ella Toone's upcoming wedding, Turner admits: "I'm definitely not a girly girl. I wear trackies every single day. If I could go out in trackies all the time, I would. Comfort's my style."
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Turner remains focused on helping Manchester United win trophies and reach cup finals. Even when her playing days eventually end, she knows football will remain central to her life. "I'll definitely stay in the game somehow," she says with a smile. "Maybe coaching or working around football. It's what I love and what I always want to be around!"
