Manchester United’s remarkable season is still alive with double dreams as they head to Wembley for the first time in their five-year history. However, manager Marc Skinner warned that they could still finish the season with nothing. Following their 3-2 semi-final victory over Brighton, Skinner urged his team to focus on the next game against WSL title rivals Arsenal rather than the FA Cup final. He said, “We haven’t won anything yet. So, get on to your business – you can feel it, but at game time don’t let it distract you. That’s the hardest balance, staying focused for a huge challenge on Wednesday and all the others before Wembley.”
The game showed that United are capable of both winning everything or nothing. They were off the pace in the first half, unsettled by Brighton’s pressing and counter, and deservedly trailed when Mary Earps palmed a shot into her own net. However, the Leah Galton equaliser seconds after the interval, a world class save by Earps to tip an Elisabeth Terland shot over, and the calmness of Rachel Williams’ winner were all examples of why United stand on the edge of a historic achievement. Skinner said it was “the good, the bad and the ugly from us today”.
The team was roared on by a crowd of more than 4,000 at Leigh Sports Village and Skinner said a win at Wembley was the least their supporters deserved. It also represents a chance for personal redemption for Skinner who led Birmingham City to the 2017 FA Cup final only to be beaten 4-1 by Manchester City. He said, “It means a massive amount. Our fans deserve it, their voice in the second half was insane. I’ve been there [Wembley] before. We lost, I know how it feels. I’m driven to make sure we don’t repeat that.”
Brighton manager Melissa Phillips said she was “unbelievably proud” of her team. The WSL’s bottom side troubled the leaders throughout, but were ultimately undone by their defensive frailties. Phillips has renewed hope for Brighton as they have not beaten a top-flight side since November and were beaten 4-0 home and away by United in the league. She said, “I could not be more proud of the attitude the players showed today and how they responded to different moments in the game. We have to handle moments better – they score right after half-time, and when we have a player down. But the attitude is what we wanted to challenge ourselves in and we did that today.”
Manchester United have shown that they are capable of winning it all or finishing with nothing. Manager Marc Skinner has warned his team to focus on their next game against WSL title rivals Arsenal rather than the FA Cup final at Wembley. The team was cheered on by a crowd of more than 4,000 and Skinner said a win at Wembley was the least their supporters deserved. Brighton manager Melissa Phillips said she was “unbelievably proud” of her team and expressed hope for their future despite their defensive frailties. The match showed that United are capable of both winning everything or nothing and it is up to them to stay focused and take responsibility for their actions in order to achieve success.