On Sunday afternoon Manchester United Women will compete in their second successive FA Cup final at Wembley when they take on Tottenham Hotspur. Both teams will have the chance to win their first major trophy. It will be Spurs’ first time in the showpiece final while United make their return having lost out to Chelsea last season.
United have endured a disappointing campaign with their form not as good as it was compared to last season. Inconsistency performance and results in the Women’s Super League, exiting the Champions League in the qualifying round and going out of the League Cup at the group stage.
Last weekend saw the Reds lose away 1-0 to our rivals Liverpool through a Jenna Clark goal just before half-time. We could not find the equaliser in the second half and subsequently slipped to their sixth league defeat of the season. We currently sit fifth in the table and now three points behind the Merseysiders which highlights the dip in form from last season’s second-place finish in the league.
The Red Devils have the chance to end the season on a much brighter note after reaching the FA Cup final for the second straight season. United have overcome Newcastle United, Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion before they secured their first-ever victory over Chelsea in the semi-finals thanks to goals from Lucia Garcia and Rachel Williams.
We can take some confidence that since being reformed back in 2018 United have never lost any of their 12 competitive meetings against Tottenham. This season, the Reds comfortably beat Spurs 4-0 away from home before a 2-2 draw at Leigh Sports Village only three weeks ago after Maya Le Tissier netted a stoppage-time equaliser.
Whilst a title charge quickly evaporated, a victory in the FA Cup final would mark a significant milestone in the club’s history. Having lost in last year’s final 1-0 to Chelsea, United will want to right the wrongs of that result and feel they will have the experience on their side to claim the win.
Manchester United Women Team News
Head coach Marc Skinner has no new fresh injury concerns heading into the final but will be without the services of Gabby George, Emma Watson, and Jess Simpson. Jayde Riviere came back from her injury last weekend to play the final half-hour against Liverpool and could feature from the start in the defence alongside Maya Le Tissier, Millie Turner, and Hannah Blundell.
Nikita Parris will provide the goal threat for United having scored 16 goals in 28 competitive appearances this season.
Manchester United Women POSSIBLE Lineup
Earps;
Riviere, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell;
Zelem, Naalsund;
Garcia, Toone, Galton
Parris.
Opposition Preview
Tottenham Hotspur will be making their first appearance in the FA Cup final and are going in as underdogs. With nothing to lose, it makes them dangerous opposition for United. Spurs got past Sheffield United and Charlton Athletic before they won on penalties against Manchester City at the quarter-finals stage. In the semi-finals, they had to overcome Leicester City in extra time to reach the Wembley final.
Since then, Spurs have recorded three consecutive draws in the league with Manchester United, Brighton and Everton. Last season, they were battling relegation but this campaign has been much better lying sixth in the table and competing with those above them. They head into the final in a buoyant mood having not been defeated in their last seven competitive matches.
Tottenham Hotspur Women Team News
Defender Amy James-Turner is expected to be available having returned to training following a slight injury concern. However, Spurs will be without midfielder Grace Clinton. She is currently on loan from Manchester United and therefore cannot play against her parent club. Forward Beth England will be hoping to continue her good form when she lines up against the Reds.
Form Guide
Manchester United Women FA Cup form: WWWW
Manchester United Women form (all competitions): WWDWL
Tottenham Hotspur Women FA Cup form: WWWW
Tottenham Women form (all competitions): WWDDD
Prediction
Wembley is a unique stage and one that United has already grace their presence there in last season’s final. It is not going to be easy for the Red Devils despite being labeled as the favourites to win. Our league campaign has not lived up to expectations this season but it could be a great day at Wembley if we do bring home our first major trophy.
Manchester United Women 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur Women
