Manchester United have stormed their way to a maiden Women’s FA Cup victory, with a dominant 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
It took until the stroke of half time for the breakthrough to happen, after an even start to the match. Ella Toone scored a stunning individual curled effort into the top corner, to steer her side into a position they never let go of.
In the second half, United picked up where they left off, with Rachel Williams’ header adding a second, before a catastrophic howler from Rebecca Spencer, who played the ball straight into the path of Lucia Garcia, allowing the United player to add a quickfire third.
From that point, the result was never in doubt, and Garcia added a late fourth to secure the title for Marc Skinner’s side.
Not since the 2005 final, when Charlton beat Everton, has the decider not featured one of Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City.
Follow all the action below plus get the latest Manchester United vs Tottenham odds and tips right here:
Women’s FA Cup final LIVE
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Manchester United trash Tottenham to win their first ever Women’s FA Cup
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78’ GOAL! Garcia fires in her second of the match (4-0)
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57’ GOAL! Garcia quickly adds third after howler from Spencer (3-0)
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55’ GOAL! Williams doubles lead with header from Zelem free-kick (2-0)
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45+3’ GOAL! Stunning Toone strike gives United deserved lead at Wembley (1-0)
Ella Toone wondergoal shapes Women’s FA Cup final and Manchester United’s future
16:56 , Jamie Braidwood
Wembley was hot and Ella Toone was red in the face, the frustration of missed chances in the Women’s FA Cup final written clear. As Tottenham Hotspur clung on, Manchester United risked history repeating itself. These are the days that can pass you by in a moment, that can slip by under the glare of the May sunshine. But then, right on the stroke of half-time, everything changed. Once again, it was Toone who took charge. With a special goal from the edge of the box, at the end of a driving run, it was Toone who shattered the illusion of United and Spurs sharing a level playing field in the meeting of first-time finalists. An outrageous strike shaped a one-sided final.
Report from Wembley
Ella Toone wondergoal shapes Women’s FA Cup final and Manchester United’s future
Man Utd vs Tottenham LIVE: Women’s FA Cup final result and reaction
17:56 , Jamie Braidwood
Marc Skinner on Ella Toone’s goal and using the FA Cup win as a “springboard”.
“Iconic moment, iconic player, iconic club. We need to get back to where we want to be in the league. [The club] feels a positive space to be in. For us, I’ve been excited by the energy that is driving internally. It won’t be long until we are talked about as the elite. I know what’s coming and it’s an exciting time to be a United fan.”
Man Utd vs Tottenham LIVE: Women’s FA Cup final result and reaction
17:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Marc Skinner after winning the FA Cup. “I’m happy with the job that I’m doing at Manchester United. This experience gives the players something to build on. We’re not happy to be where we are in the league, but this is a historic moment for the club. It’s not relief.
“Before the game, we were in a good space. It was a business job to do. I want to give Tottenham credit for the run we had. If they use it like we used it last year, it will do them well. For us, it feels nice to be present in the moment. It’s a moment to enjoy.”
Man Utd vs Tottenham LIVE: Women’s FA Cup final result and reaction
17:39 , Jamie Braidwood
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner admitted he was unsure if Mary Earps would be at the club next season following the 4-0 Women’s FA Cup final victory over Tottenham.
England goalkeeper Earps is out of contract at the end of the season but helped the club’s first piece of silverware, six years after the formation of the women’s team, at Wembley.
United are desperate to keep Earps and conversations are ongoing around her future, but the club have underperformed in the Women’s Super League this season and could finish fifth after challenging for the title next season.
England striker Alessia Russo left United at the end of her contract last season and joined rivals Arsenal on a free transfer, while Earps is set to attract interest from sides across Europe.
Skinner, who is also out of contract at the end of the season, said winning the FA Cup at Wembley would “help” contact negotiations but was unable to provide assurances that Earps would stay.
“That is a decision to be made later, it is not a conversation for now,” he told the BBC. “I’m sure it does help but me and Mary have a great relationship. Of course I would love her to stay. She is an FA Cup winner.”
Man Utd vs Tottenham LIVE: Women’s FA Cup final result and reaction
17:23 , Jamie Braidwood
Tottenham manager Robert Vilahamn: “It’s not a fun day for us, when the score is that big. The first goal was tough for us, before half-time. The first half was competitive but the second and third goals were quick. It’s tough for us, but we’re proud of the season.
“We are going to learn from this, that’s what we want. We want to have these big games, with this crowd. Even for me, I learned how tough it was to talk to the players on the pitch.
“We want to perform on this stage. It was sad for the fans but this is not the end today, it is the beginning.”
Man Utd vs Tottenham LIVE: Women’s FA Cup final result and reaction
17:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Goalscorer Rachel Williams, speaking to BBC One, after finding she was in the starting line-up at Wembley: “It was a shock yesterday morning sitting there in analysis to see the team go up and I was little like ‘oh I might have to do something this weekend’. We knew Tottenham would make it hard having played them a few weeks ago. Today it was about being in control and taking the game to them to get the win.”
Man Utd vs Tottenham LIVE: Women’s FA Cup final result and reaction
17:16 , Jamie Braidwood
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner after winning the FA Cup final: “In all honesty I felt that first half was just frustration because we didn’t score, I thought we offered more of a threat, we controlled most of their threat. As much as I am exhausted now it is a magical feeling. Tooney scored one of those goals at Leicester but it is another thing to do it at Wembley. I told her on the podium you have to feel it, remember it because it comes and goes too quick, and that is what she did. Congratulations to her and the team, we are FA Cup winners.
”We are obviously not where we want in the league right? But we are history makers for Manchester United. I didn’t need to remind the owners of that, they know. There is a lot of support and love for our team and the growth. We want to compete for titles but you all know how important adding that first piece of silverware is. We’ve got nothing but growth ahead.”
17:06 , Jamie Braidwood
Manchester United lift the Women’s FA Cup for the first time. A delighted captain Katie Zelem leads the celebrations on the Wembley pitch, in front of the United end.
Manchester United win their first Women’s FA Cup
16:45 , Sonia Twigg
Here are some photos of the match:
Manchester United win their first Women’s FA Cup
16:36 , Sonia Twigg
Mary Earps: “I’m feeling pretty good, it’s been a tough season and this just makes it all worth it.”
On making history with her club: “Winning at Wembley is always special, but winning the FA Cup…last year we spoke as a group and said this one would be ours, so I’m absolutely buzzing.”
FT: Manchester United win their first Women’s FA Cup
16:29 , Sonia Twigg
Full time: Manchester United have stormed their way to a maiden Women’s FA Cup victory, with a dominant 4-0 win over Tottenham.
The final minutes of the match went by without any significant action, as the Spurs fans started trickling out of the stadium, and the red flags were waving as the players ran onto the pitch to spark the celebrations at the final whistle.
Manchester United 4-0 Tottenham
16:25 , Sonia Twigg
90+3 mins: Earps is just taking her time over a goal kick, but any urgency has long since gone from this match and the result is in no doubt.
Manchester United 4-0 Tottenham
16:23 , Sonia Twigg
90+1 mins: There will be six minutes of added time.
Manchester United 4-0 Tottenham
16:22 , Sonia Twigg
89 mins: Lucia Garcia has just been named as the player of the match, with her two goals.
Manchester United 4-0 Tottenham
16:19 , Sonia Twigg
87 mins: A late chance for Manchester United and Naalsund, but her effort from outside the area goes well over the bar.
Manchester United 4-0 Tottenham
16:18 , Sonia Twigg
85 mins: Tottenham have a corner and a late chance to give their fans something to sing about, they have brought the drum.
But again their delivery has not been brilliant, and that one loops over all the waiting Tottenham players and back into Manchester United control.
Manchester United 4-0 Tottenham
16:16 , Sonia Twigg
84 mins: The attendance figure stands at 76,082, not quite the sell out that people were expecting, but a good number for the Women’s FA Cup final.
Manchester United 4-0 Tottenham
16:15 , Sonia Twigg
83 mins: There is hardly any urgency left in the match now, United are content to just play the ball around, and Spurs are just chasing after it with the result in little doubt.
Manchester United 4-0 Tottenham
16:13 , Sonia Twigg
80 mins: Since the goal the match has calmed down somewhat, but Spurs are trying to at least leave with a consolation goal, but a probing ball from Wang was too far ahead of England, despite the Tottenham captain’s diving efforts.
GOAL! Garcia fires in her second of the match – Manchester United 4-0 Tottenham
16:08 , Sonia Twigg
74 mins: GOAL! Manchester United have been utterly dominant in this match, and they capitalise again.
Lucia Garcia was in the right place to fire home after Naalsund brought the ball down, controlled it and just played into her path.
The match is pretty much done and dusted now, although Spurs will want to prevent and more goals from United.
Manchester United 3-0 Tottenham
16:06 , Sonia Twigg
73 mins: SAVE! Malard is played in behind the backline and runs towards the goal with only the keeper to beat, it was a tight angle, but she shoots straight at Spencer, who palms the ball behind for another corner, which is dealt with comfortably by Spurs, who cannot mount a successful counter-attack of their own.
Manchester United 3-0 Tottenham
16:04 , Sonia Twigg
71 mins: The excitement and thrill of the contest seems to be diminishing from the fans, a group in the top corner have just started trying to start a Mexican wave.
Manchester United 3-0 Tottenham
16:02 , Sonia Twigg
70 mins: Time for the second drinks break of the match.
Manchester United 3-0 Tottenham
16:01 , Sonia Twigg
69 mins: Manchester United are just starting to dominate possession, and Spurs are running out of time to try and get something back in this game.
BAR! Manchester United 3-0 Tottenham
15:59 , Sonia Twigg
67 mins: That was Tottenham’s best chance of the match, the ball was played into England who timed her run and header perfectly, only to see her effort rebound back off the crossbar, and Thomas was unable to capitalise on the rebound.
Manchester United 3-0 Tottenham
15:58 , Sonia Twigg
66 mins: With all the changes being made for both sides, the game’s rhythm hasn’t quite settled and there’s a few miss-placed passes from both teams.
Manchester United 3-0 Tottenham
15:55 , Sonia Twigg
62 mins: Ella Toone had a chance to add to hers and her team’s advantage there, but her curled shot from inside the box lacked power, unlike her stunning opening goal, and went straight into the hands of Spencer, who made no mistakes on this occasion.
Manchester United 3-0 Tottenham
15:54 , Sonia Twigg
62 mins: Rachel Williams has also been brought off, her goal doubled her side’s lead, and top-scorer Nikita Parris has been brought on.
Manchester United 3-0 Tottenham
15:53 , Sonia Twigg
60 mins: United almost have a third, Malard has only just been brought on, but she was causing problems there, weaving her way into the box before pulling the ball back, but no one could quite get on the end of it.
GOAL! Catastrophic error hands Garcia her side’s third – Manchester United 3-0 Tottenham
15:50 , Sonia Twigg
58 mins: GOAL! Rebecca Spencer will not want to watch that one back! It was a catastrophic error from the goalkeeper, who under very little pressure just passed the ball straight to Garcia, who just had to slot the ball into the back of the net.
A complete lapse in judgement.
Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham
15:48 , Sonia Twigg
54 mins: Spurs try to hit back almost immediately, but England’s shot from distance skewed well wide of the intended target.
GOAL! Rachel Williams heads in a second – Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham
15:48 , Sonia Twigg
53 mins: It’s the old saying, don’t make a substitution when defending a set piece, and Spurs have been made to pay.
The free kick was looped goalwards, and Williams was in the right place to beat her marker Neville and just nod the ball into the back of the net.
Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham
15:46 , Sonia Twigg
53 mins: Garcia is awarded a free kick half way into the Spurs half, and United get their players forward.
Double Spurs sub: Vinberg off for Wang, Naz off for Bizet.
Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham
15:44 , Sonia Twigg
51 mins: There has not been a huge amount of energy from either side at the start of the second half, although the United fans have started to find their voice.
Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham
15:42 , Sonia Twigg
48 mins: Leah Galton comes off for Melvine Malard in Marc Skinner’s first substitution of the match.
Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham
15:40 , Sonia Twigg
47 mins: The second half has started quite slowly, as Spurs need to fight to find a way back into this match.
Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham
15:37 , Sonia Twigg
46 mins: Spurs get the second half underway.
HT: Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham
15:35 , Sonia Twigg
The players are just making their way out of the tunnel for the start of the second half.
HT: Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham
15:33 , Sonia Twigg
Slight controversy to discuss at half time, over whether there was a foul in the build up to the goal. VAR is available for this match and it wasn’t looked at, but it’s definitely a big topic of conversation.
HT: Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham
15:27 , Jamie Braidwood
The bend on this strike from Toone. Sensational.
HT: Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham
15:25 , Jamie Braidwood
WHAT a goal from Ella Toone. Always a player for the big stage, that’s her fourth Wembley goal in seven appearances at the national stadium.
HT: Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham
15:21 , Sonia Twigg
Half time: Before Toone’s strike, the football was lacking a bit of quality in the final third, but the England international always performs on the big occasions and that was a brilliant goal to give her side the crucial advantage going into the second half.
GOAL! Ella Toone scores a stunner! Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham
15:20 , Sonia Twigg
45+3 mins: Ella Toone what a goal! That was a stunning individual effort from the Manchester United midfielder.
She was given the ball just inside the Spurs half and weaved away from the defenders before curling the ball just inside the top corner, leaving Spencer with no chance to make the save.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
15:17 , Sonia Twigg
45 mins: There will be three added minutes at the end of the first half.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
15:16 , Sonia Twigg
45 mins: After having a number of shots blocked, United rushed their possession and Le Tissier launched an effort from distance that Spencer watched just sail high over the crossbar.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
15:15 , Sonia Twigg
43 mins: There is not long to go now until the half time break, and Spurs caught Manchester United down the left, again Nilden tried to play the ball into the middle and beat Riviere, but there was no attacker in the right place to mee her cross.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
15:12 , Sonia Twigg
41 mins: Spurs do manage to get out of their half and Amanda Nilden charges forward down the left, but rushes her pass and can’t pick out England or Vinberg ahead of her and the ball goes back to United.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
15:11 , Sonia Twigg
39 mins: Chance! This time the ball falls for Ella Toone, but she can only hook the ball wide of the target. After the first minute, the Spurs goalkeeper has been largely untroubled, despite the number of chances falling for Manchester United.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
15:09 , Sonia Twigg
37 mins: Spurs fans have been in the better voice of the two so far, and watched on by two legends from the last time any team from the club won the FA Cup, they have kept United at bay, but are struggling to play the ball out of their half.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
15:07 , Sonia Twigg
35 mins: Spurs are just struggling to clear their lines and get forward here, United are building the pressure, keeping the ball and trying to force the team in white into a mistake, although their final ball has not been enough to carve out a clear-cut chance.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
15:05 , Jamie Braidwood
33 mins: Another corner for United… this time on the right as Toone is forced out by Naz. They have come close from all three so far… and this time Turner’s header is cleared off the line!
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
15:04 , Jamie Braidwood
31 mins: The closest either team has come so far. A great chance for Lucia Garcia, denied by brave defending from Evelina Summanen.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
14:57 , Sonia Twigg
26’ Naz rightly receives a free kick inside the Spurs half after being hit on the head by a high boot.
The ball is launched forwards, she manages to get a glancing header, but no player in white was there to put pressure on Mary Earps.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
14:56 , Sonia Twigg
24’ Drinks break had and the match is back underway
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
14:54 , Sonia Twigg
22’ Both sides are struggling for control in the midfield, while Spurs are forced into launching long balls over the top in an attempt to try and find a breakthrough. And that will be time for the first drinks break with the mercury going over the required temperature.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
14:51 , Sonia Twigg
19’ Chance! Another corner from Manchester United causes Spurs to scramble at the back, this one fell to Garcia, who nodded it down but the ball was just kept away from the arriving Martha Thomas by Summanen.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
14:49 , Sonia Twigg
17’ Spurs have a promising moment to attack, but are forced backwards, and came close to being made to pay for it when a straightforward pass across the defence almost fell into the path of Williams.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
14:46 , Sonia Twigg
15’ Spurs have their best chance of the match at the other end, when Vinberg had a header that looped over the bar, although more concerningly for United, she was in a completely unmarked position at the far post.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
14:45 , Sonia Twigg
13’ Manchester United have been awarded a corner right in front of the Tottenham fans, to their displeasure, but it was the right decision by the referee, and the ball finds Williams, who has another free header, this one also misses the target, and skewed wide.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
14:42 , Sonia Twigg
9’ Vinberg makes a promising run down the leg but can’t quite find the arriving forward in the centre, and the ball goes behind for a goal kick. Tottenham are definitely trying to attack United’s right hand side so far in the match.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
14:40 , Sonia Twigg
8’ Since the early exchanges of pace, the game has calmed down slightly, with more of the match happening in the middle of the pitch, as Tottenham try a long ball that is too far ahead of captain Bethany England.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
14:36 , Sonia Twigg
4’ Both players are up and ready to continue, and Rachel Williams heads over from the following Manchester United corner.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
14:35 , Sonia Twigg
3’ There’s action almost immediatley at the other end as Manchester United break forward, Galton was played in behind the backline, goalkeeper Rebeccca Spencer rushed off her line to make the save, but both players are now down receiving treatment after the incident.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
14:34 , Sonia Twigg
2’ Tottenham have had their first shot and United might be a bit worried about how much space Matilda Vinberg had to cut inside and shoot from just outside the area, although the ball sailed over the bar.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
14:32 , Sonia Twigg
1’ But there’s a stoppage almost immediately with Martha Thomas down. She is back up on her feet despite holding her head and the match will continue.
Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham
14:32 , Sonia Twigg
1’ Lisa Naalsund kicks the game underway for Manchester United.
Women’s FA Cup final
14:28 , Sonia Twigg
Fans have been asked to raise their mosaic, which reads Dream Bigger in purple and white, the flags are being rushed away and it’s almost time for kick off.
Women’s FA Cup Final
14:26 , Sonia Twigg
The teams are out on the pitch and it’s time for the national anthem.
Women’s FA Cup final
14:22 , Sonia Twigg
The pyrotechnics are on display, not that the warmth is needed at Wembley with the temperature pushing 25 degrees, but the spectacle is hearing up with fireworks shooting into the air, and kick off less than 10 minutes away.
Women’s FA Cup final
14:17 , Sonia Twigg
It’s DJ time, after a remix that included ABBA and then went via club tracks, it’s now time for a short live performance from Issey Cross, that the crowd don’t seem overly receptive to, but they are here to watch the football.
Women’s FA Cup final
14:14 , Sonia Twigg
Neither Manchester United nor Spurs have ever lifted the Women’s FA Cup.
Women’s FA Cup final
14:06 , Sonia Twigg
Both ends have been handed team flags that the fans are diligently waving, the atmosphere is building and kick off is less than half an hour away.
The fans are arriving at the ground
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Here are some photos from around the ground:
The teams have been arriving at Wembley
13:45 , Sonia Twigg
Here are some photos of the teams arriving:
Tottenham team news
13:37 , Sonia Twigg
Tottenham have announced their team for the FA Cup final:
Manchester United team news
13:35 , Sonia Twigg
Manchester United have named their team as they try and win their first FA Cup final.
Mary Earps and Ella Toone will be the Lionesses stars in the team, but Nikita Parris, despite being their top-scorer this season, will start on the bench.
Manchester United vs Tottenham
13:20 , Sonia Twigg
The teams will be announced in just 10 minutes time.
Mary Earps focused on FA Cup final after receiving MBE
13:15 , Sonia Twigg
Mary Earps has said this weekend’s Women’s FA Cup final will be the highlight of her season.
The Manchester United and England goalkeeper was made an MBE for services to football during an investiture ceremony conducted by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
United have struggled in the Women’s Super League this season but could lift the first major piece of silverware in the club’s history in Sunday’s final against Tottenham at Wembley.
And the 31-year-old told the PA news agency: “I’m very prepared for it, very up for it and really looking forward to it. It’s only a few days away so bring it on.
“It’ll be the highlight of the season, for sure, by a million miles.”
Mary Earps focused on FA Cup final after receiving MBE
Rachel Williams seeks ‘relief’ on personal mission to win FA Cup with Man Utd
13:00 , Sonia Twigg
United, who are currently fifth in the Women’s Super League, take on first-time finalists Spurs a year on from playing in their own maiden final, losing 1-0 to Chelsea in a campaign that also saw them finish second behind the Blues in the league.
Having won the competition in 2012 with Birmingham, Williams, 36, has subsequently been an FA Cup runner-up twice, the other occasion being with Notts County in 2015 when the final was first held at Wembley, and has also in that time experienced League Cup final defeats with both of those clubs.
She said: “2012 is when I last won it. I’ve had a few finals along the way and keep losing. So this year, I want it.
“It would be finally a relief, because I’ve got a winners (medal) and then a losers, losers, losers, so it would nice to get another winners’ one.”
The 2012 success against Chelsea at Ashton Gate – which Birmingham won on penalties after a 2-2 draw, with Williams equalising late in normal time to make it 1-1, then having a spot-kick saved in the shootout – came alongside goalkeeper Becky Spencer.
The pair were also team-mates during Williams’ two-year Tottenham stint and are now set to face each other in Sunday’s showpiece.
“That’s women’s football for you – one minute I’m winning an FA Cup with Becky Spencer and now we’re against each other,” she said.
“Becky’s known me for a long time. So you kind of play that cat and mouse game, like she’ll probably know what I’m going to do, I’m going to know her strengths and weaknesses.
“The best team is going to win at the end of the day and I’m just hoping that’s going to be us.”
Rachel Williams seeks ‘relief’ on personal mission to win FA Cup with Man Utd
Rachel Williams seeks ‘relief’ on personal mission to win FA Cup with Man Utd
12:45 , Sonia Twigg
Manchester United forward Rachel Williams says winning the FA Cup this weekend would be “massive” for the team – and a relief for her personally.
United will look to clinch the first major piece of silverware since the side was launched in 2018 when they face Tottenham in Sunday’s sold-out Wembley showdown.
And Williams, who joined in 2022 after leaving Spurs, told the PA news agency: “It would be massive.
“I do think people forget that United Women are only five, six years old and for me being at that club, the improvements I see, even behind the scenes – it’s a club that wants to win things and they invest in us and we’ve got the best of everything to be the best players we can be.
Nikita Parris spoke ahead of the Women’s FA Cup final
12:30 , Sonia Twigg
Forward Nikita Parris, United’s top scorer this season with 16 goals in all competitions, won the Women’s Super League, two FA Cups and two League Cups with Manchester City before in 2019 joining Lyon, where her trophy haul included the Champions League.
She is yet to claim further club silverware since returning to English football in 2021, having initially been with Arsenal for a year then signing for United in 2022.
And Parris told the PA news agency: “I think regardless of where I’ve been, the time spent away, the FA Cup has always been special. For me, I want to continue to win silverware and as a club, it would be massive and hopefully help us kick on.
“There’s so many different parts to this game, it’s going to be a test for the team. Many people will say we’re no longer the underdogs like we were last year, but I think we have to focus on what we can do and control.
“To win your first trophy will help build success in the future. You need to know what it takes to win.”
Becky Spencer had a key role in the shoot-out win over Manchester City
12:15 , Sonia Twigg
“I don’t mind penalty shoot-outs but I hope and I’d want us to win in normal time,” Spencer admitted.
“Of course, if it did come to a penalty shoot-out, then hopefully I can step up to the plate again.”
United are looking to secure a first major trophy since the team was launched in 2018, having been beaten 1-0 by Chelsea when they made their debut appearance in the final last season.
Forward Nikita Parris, United’s top scorer this season with 16 goals in all competitions, won the Women’s Super League, two FA Cups and two League Cups with Manchester City before in 2019 joining Lyon, where her trophy haul included the Champions League.
She is yet to claim further club silverware since returning to English football in 2021, having initially been with Arsenal for a year then signing for United in 2022.
Tottenham always believed in FA Cup dream – Ashleigh Neville
12:00 , Sonia Twigg
“Every time we came in after playing one of the FA Cup games, the bus was moving along the journey and it was great seeing it.
“They (Vilahamn and Jepson) always had belief. I think the team then, I think we had that belief to get to that final.
“And we had some easy games, some people say, and then you come up against the likes of Man City where you come back from being 1-0 down and then beat them on penalties.
“You’ve got to beat the best to be the best. So, I think the team deserve to be there and I think Robert and Vicky have kind of fed that through everyone from the start, which is great.”
Becky Spencer had a key role in the shoot-out win over Manchester City, Spurs’ first victory over the current Women’s Super League leaders in four attempts this season.
It has helped Spencer reach another domestic final but she laughed off talk of a repeat of 2012, when the Jamaica goalkeeper starred to help Birmingham clinch the trophy with a 3-2 win on penalties over Chelsea.
Tottenham always believed in FA Cup dream – Ashleigh Neville
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“We were playing at Cheshunt in front of like 20, 30 people with no grass. That’s where we were and I’m very grateful for where we’ve come to now,” the 31-year-old reflected.
“For the club and for me personally, where I’ve come from with Spurs, it’s a massive game.
“We’ve obviously already made history, but hopefully we can come home with some silverware to show our hard work and it’d be really nice.”
The Wembley dream started back in January when Vilahamn revealed his own aspirations to make the final ahead of Tottenham’s fourth-round tie at home to Sheffield United.
Assistant Vicky Jepson took things further when she mocked up a picture of the Spurs bus on its way to Wembley with each stop a different round.
Neville added: “Vicky took it upon herself to show this image and it’s been great. It’s our little Tottenham bus and the journey we’ve come on.
Tottenham always believed in FA Cup dream – Ashleigh Neville
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Ashleigh Neville insists Tottenham always had belief they could reach a maiden Women’s FA Cup final this season and are now determined to finish the journey with silverware at Wembley.
Spurs face 2023 runners-up Manchester United at the national stadium on Sunday with a new winner of the competition guaranteed.
It has been a remarkable turnaround for Tottenham in Robert Vilahamn’s debut campaign in charge after they battled relegation last season and finished ninth.
Full-back Neville quit teaching to pursue a full-time football career with Spurs in 2017, when they had just secured promotion to the second tier, and seven years later they are about to play at a sold-out Wembley for the first time.
Why Mary Earps represents Manchester United’s all-or-nothing Women’s FA Cup final
11:15 , Sonia Twigg
Such form may not matter in a cup final, however, but the loss of Grace Clinton certainly will. The 20-year-old midfielder is on loan from Manchester United and is ineligible to face her parent club, a huge blow given her performances for Spurs have seen her break into Sarina Wiegman’s England squad. United are unlikely to make the same mistake of loaning her out next season, either.
Marta Thomas, the former United forward who scored Tottenham’s extra-time winner against Leicester in the semi-finals, could return to punish her former team, however. The Scotland international left United last summer and it has proved to be an astute move for Spurs, while too many of the bigger names United brought in to replace her have not made the desired impact.
It throws forward to another big summer for United as they look to close the gap to the WSL’s best, and a historic FA Cup final that may have a bigger say in the future of their most important player. Earps’s popularity among the masses will be evident, with a second sellout crowd in as many years declared ahead of the Wembley final. And once again, all eyes will be on the England goalkeeper, both against Tottenham and in the next few weeks.
Why Mary Earps represents Manchester United’s all-or-nothing Women’s FA Cup final
11:00 , Sonia Twigg
FA Cup or not, there are irrefutable signs that United need to strengthen in the summer, while a decision on Skinner’s future will need to be made. The 41-year-old must also win over a fanbase that has taken to chanting “Skinner out” at times this season, as United failed to build on last season’s title challenge. United have lost all but one of their seven league games against top-four sides. They have dropped points against Leicester, West Ham, Brighton and, just two weeks ago, Tottenham.
For Spurs, it was an improvement on the 4-0 thrashing they suffered earlier in the campaign, and if there are clear divides between teams in the WSL table, they sit somewhere as the best of the rest. It has already been a decent debut season for manager Robert Vilahamn: Tottenham triumphed over Leicester in the semi-finals, taking advantage of the result that opened up the possibility of a cup run when they defeated Manchester City on penalties in the quarter-finals.
But Tottenham will have to perform above themselves if they are to defeat United. While Spurs sit sixth, they have won just one of their nine matches against top-half teams in the WSL this season, but a 1-0 victory over north London rivals Arsenal was the signature result of Vilahamn’s first term. The majority of their points have been picked up against teams in the bottom six.
Why Mary Earps represents Manchester United’s all-or-nothing Women’s FA Cup final
10:45 , Sonia Twigg
The FA Cup has therefore come to represent an all-or-nothing quest for United. They will be favourites when they take on first-time finalists Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on Sunday, but that comes with additional pressure, too. United’s season will be a failure should they lose, it will be saved if the club lifts its first trophy, six years on from the formation of the women’s team.
It is also on such margins that Earps’s own future will be decided. The England goalkeeper is also out of contract at the end of the season. Interest from Arsenal is well-known, but there are also set to be offers from top clubs in Europe for a goalkeeper named the world’s best two years in a row. Such a status demands playing at the top level, and winning trophies.
Why Mary Earps represents Manchester United’s all-or-nothing Women’s FA Cup final
10:35 , Jamie Braidwood
Mary Earps threw down her gloves and let out a roar that banished the frustrations of a disappointing season, for an afternoon at least. Manchester United had finally beaten Chelsea, earning revenge for last season’s Women’s FA Cup final defeat to Emma Hayes’s side to book their return to Wembley.
Before then, as a season teetered on the brink, the holders threw everything they had at United and Earps was forced to pull off a string of brilliant saves, twice denying Lauren James, dragging United through. There were wild celebrations at full-time, but also relief and vindication. “This season has been so hard,” Earps revealed. “It’s been mentally brutal.”
Clearly, that was not the plan. United have regressed dramatically in the Women’s Super League this campaign, falling from second to fifth, from title challengers to 12 points off the Champions League places. It has brought scrutiny and dissent towards the manager, Marc Skinner, who is out of contract at the end of the month and has hardly shown that he merits a new one, with United set to be replaced by Liverpool in the top four.
Man Utd vs Tottenham LIVE: Latest Women’s FA Cup final team news
10:33 , Jamie Braidwood
Team news
Manchester United remain without Gabby George, Emma Watson, and Jess Simpson, but Jayde Riviere has returned from injury and could feature
Tottenham will be without midfielder Grace Clinton, who is ineligible against her parent club.
Is Manchester United v Tottenham on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Women’s FA Cup final
10:32 , Jamie Braidwood
When is the Women’s FA Cup final?
Manchester United vs Tottenham is due to kick off at 2.30pm BST on Sunday 12 May at Wembley Stadium.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC One, with coverage on the channel from 1.50pm. A live stream will be available via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Man Utd vs Tottenham LIVE: Latest Women’s FA Cup final team news and line-ups
10:32 , Jamie Braidwood
Manchester United and Tottenham meet in the Women’s FA Cup final with both clubs seeking a first triumph in this competition.
Not since the 2005 final, when Charlton beat Everton, has the decider not featured one of Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City, with opportunity abounding for two clubs looking to secure a breakthrough win.
Marc Skinner’s side were beaten in the final last year and will hope to have learned from that narrow defeat despite a disappointing WSL campaign.
Spurs, meanwhile, have enjoyed a positive first season under Robert Vilahamn and will hope to mark their progress with significant silverware.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Is Manchester United v Tottenham on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch
Manchester United vs Tottenham
09:02 , Sonia Twigg
Good morning, and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage and build up to the Women’s FA Cup final today.
We will be bringing you all the action live from Wembley.
