After 465 matches and 2,445 goals, both Manchester United and Chelsea are tied with 514 records. This Sunday, they’ll meet once again in the Women’s FA Cup final, marking their second face-off in this setting.
Chelsea edged out United last year with a 1-0 victory, denying United their first FA Cup final appearance. However, United got their revenge by defeating Chelsea in the semi-finals this season, limiting Emma Hayes’ trophy count in her final season to just one. United triumphed over Tottenham 4-0 in the final, securing their first major trophy since their promotion from the championship. Now, they have the chance to prove just how much they’ve grown by defending their title against a Chelsea side vying for a Treble.
Over 85,000 tickets have been sold for the showdown at Wembley, which hasn’t hosted finals in a decade. This is a significant moment, as organizers hope to surpass the 80,000 attendance mark for the first time, having been shy of that figure in recent years. Alexis Ohanian, the new minority owner of Chelsea, will be present along with his wife, 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams. The Women’s FA Cup final is increasingly becoming a highlight event, showcasing the rising mainstream interest in women’s football.
Sonia Bompastor last played at Wembley in 2012, competing in the Olympic semi-finals for France against Japan in front of 61,482 fans. After missing out on the final then, she now hopes to make her mark as Chelsea’s manager. “Playing in front of thousands at such a historic venue and having the chance to win one of the UK’s most prestigious trophies, the FA Cup, is a rare opportunity,” she reflects. The sting of losing to Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals still lingers, of course.
The Women’s FA Cup has secured a new three-year broadcasting deal with Channel 4 and TNT Sports, succeeding the BBC as the competition’s broadcaster. This marks the first standalone contract for the tournament, assuring coverage from the first round and a substantial boost in live broadcasts. TNT will air 19 matches during the season, while Channel 4 will cover one match every round from the third round onwards. Mark Bringham, CEO of the Football Association, emphasized that this is a pivotal moment for the Women’s FA Cup, noting the commitment of the new broadcast partners to expand its reach.
Bompastor expressed pride in her team but acknowledged, “This is the final.” Chelsea has a strong track record, winning 13 of their last 15 encounters against United across competitions, including five FA Cup finals. However, she recognizes that the gap has narrowed, with United showing impressive scoring and defense on their way to Wembley.
Skinner, the United manager, describes his team as rebels, saying, “I’ve always been a bit rebellious.” He challenges the notion that Chelsea, with its superior resources, necessarily has the upper hand. “You have to battle through tough times to claim victory,” he adds, emphasizing the importance of control during the match.
When asked about Chelsea’s recent £20 million investment, Skinner chuckles, admitting there’s some envy over their budget, but he stresses the importance of performance over finances. “It’s exciting to see investment in women’s football, but results matter most,” he adds, showing respect for Chelsea’s achievements this season while asserting there’s no fear within his team heading into the final.
