Sir Alex Ferguson has famously stated that “only true champions come out and prove their worth after defeat.”
This weekend will be a litmus test for Manchester United Women, as the Reds hope to banish the demons of last season’s FA Cup loss with a win over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium. Marc Skinner’s side defeated Chelsea, their opponents in last year’s final, to advance to the last two and a chance to become only the fourth team to win the trophy since 2012.
In what has essentially been a forgettable season for the club, this weekend’s match has the potential to be one of the most meaningful in United history, with the Reds searching for their first major trophy since the women’s team was rebuilt in 2018. Sunday is also a significant day for Skinner, as it provides him with the opportunity to prove his pedigree as an elite-level manager as well as the possibility of salvation.
The 41-year-old, who is out of a contract this summer, has been the subject of much criticism in recent months, with some fans displaying ‘Skinner Out’ banners in the stadium seats. It was mildly unexpected then, when it was revealed in April that the manager had been offered a new contract, and all indications currently point to him staying in his position beyond the end of this month.
