Munoz refused let injury end her career after tearing her ACL an agonising fourth time last preseason and made her long-awaited return in the 64th-minute against Sydney FC at McKellar Park.

The former Matildas striker played on the left wing for the first time in more than a decade but her substitution changed the game as United came from behind for a memorable 3-2 victory.

Munoz said she was determined to return in time for close friend and a fellow United foundation player Ash Syke's 100th W-League appearance.

"It was great out there and at home too, I love playing at Mckellar and to play in Ash's 100th was special, we've been there since day dot so it was nice to share that with her," Munoz said.

"I've shown through the years getting past my injuries that I'm the that type of person that likes to push the boundaries and prove people wrong, so it was was definitely satisfying to get back out there but it's still early days."

Munoz thanked United coach and former Matildas teammate Heather Garriock for supporting her long road to recovery.

"Heather and I have known each other for 10 years so she knows me as a player on and off the field but she wasn't just going to give me a contract," Munoz said.

"Like everyone I had to work for it and prove I was fit and healthy and able to do it, but she gave me every opportunity to get there."

Garriock's faith was repaid and the coach said she was always confident a player of Munoz's calibre would get back on the pitch.

"It was just about managing her injuries because she's had a lot but off the field as well she brings so much to this group," Garriock said.

"If I hadn't brought her into the squad then I wouldn't have had the opportunity to bring her on and I think she changed the game."

Canberra skipper Michelle Heyman was the star against Sydney scoring a brace and the 85th-minute match-winner, but she pointed to Munoz's impact after the win.

"As soon as she came on everyone lifted, she's an incredible player and it doesn't even have to do with the way she plays," Heyman said.

"She just has an aurora or something about her that when she's on the field everyone just has so much more heart and power within themselves."