A new name will be etched onto the Adobe Women’s FA Cup after Manchester United put four goals past Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley this afternoon.
Thanks to Ella Toone’s stunning strike from distance, Spurs were left trailing behind at the break and then failed to recover as Rachel Williams and Lucia Garcia both extended United’s advantage in the second half.
It was the afternoon of dreams for the Red Devils and their fans, and they finally got to rectify last year’s heartbreak following their defeat to Chelsea.
Speaking to the media after the game, Manchester United manager Marc Skinner said: ”To make history for this fantastic club and for the fans means more than relief, it’s a really exciting moment.”
Before the game, United had received a personal message from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of Ineos – one of the club’s newest shareholders.
He wished the Women’s team luck despite opting to attend the men’s Premier League game against Arsenal, back up in Manchester, instead.
He also shared a message on X after the ladies’ triumph, saying; ”Congratulations on lifting the FA Cup today.
”A proud and historic moment for the team that is testament to their grit, determination, and team spirit.
”A wonderful achievement. Many congratulations.”
Skinner’s side started the game confident with a flurry of chances throughout the first half before Toone opened the scoring with her wonder goal in the 48th minute.
The England international arrowed a powerful shot past Becky Spencer after receiving the ball from Lisa Naalsund in United’s defensive half, running towards the edge of the 18-yard box.
It was then 36-year-old Rachel Williams who doubled United’s lead just nine minutes into the second half, heading it home much to Tottenham’s dismay.
The Lilywhites had undoubtedly been hoping to turn things around in the second half, but then in quick succesion they were stunned once again.
Just two minutes after Williams’ header, an error from Spurs goal keeper Becky Spencer led to Manchester United’s third goal, and the first of two for Spanish international, Garcia.
The Spaniard capitalised off Spencer’s mistake, hitting it home to ensure her team were on cruise control towards an historic trophy lift.
But it was her ruthless second goal that really crushed Tottenham’s dreams of silverware.
Bagging her second goal of the afternoon, Garcia was named player of the match as she rounded off a stellar performance out in the London sun.
After the match, Skinner congratulated Tottenham on their second place finish behind his team saying: ”I want to give Tottenham a lot of credit for the run and the season that they’ve had.
”If they use it like we had to last year, then they are certain for future successes I’m sure.”
Tottenham have been much improved this year in head coach Robert Vilaham’s first season.
Their impressive cup run saw them knock out top WSL side Manchester City on penalties in the quarter finals as well as Leicester City, who they faced at home at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the semi finals last month.
They have also been a stronger force than previous years in the WSL, beating North London rivals Arsenal for the first time ever, and even holding Manchester United themselves to a draw at Leigh Sports Village just three weeks ago.
Today however, they unfortunately remained second best.
Spurs were unable to deal with Manchester United’s constant threat on the counter attack and often left themselves vulnerable at the back much to the advantage of their opponents.
After the match, Viliham revealed his words to his team at the final whistle, saying: ”This is not the end, it’s actually just the beginning.”
”It’s okay to be angry, sad, or whatever they want to be feeling, because that’s part of football.”
He added: ”We are closing the gap, but we haven’t closed it yet.”
Featured image courtesy of Emilie Mwanza.