More stories

  • in

    Women’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Man Utd will be watched by a sold-out Wembley for the first time

    THE Women’s FA Cup final is set to be watched by a record crowd at Wembley Stadium.Manchester United take on Chelsea in the final on Sunday and has sold out tickets at the home of football.
    Man United will face Chelsea in the Women’s FA Cup finalCredit: Getty
    The clash will be watched by a record crowd at WembleyCredit: Getty
    There will be 90,000 supporters at Wembley StadiumCredit: Getty
    Marc Skinner criticised the original allocation for tickets to the clubsCredit: Reuters
    The 90,000-seater venue saw all the available tickets purchased and will host a crowd almost doubling the previous record.
    Last year’s cup final hosted just over 49,000 fans, and the year before had 40,000 fans at Wembley.
    This will be the ninth time the Women’s FA Cup final has been hosted at Wembley since the move in 2015.
    The FA were recently criticised by Man United manager Marc Skinner for only allocating 7,500 tickets to each club.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    He said: “I don’t know how many it is in the men’s game, but to give clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United 8,000 tickets to sell, it’s just crazy in my opinion.
    “I don’t know how it works, in all honesty, I haven’t really looked into it but to give two massive clubs 8,000 tickets is, as I say, crazy – that is as simple as I can put it.”
    At the time of the blast, 65,000 tickets had been sold and it worked as more tickets were distributed to the clubs.
    The FA responded: “Chelsea and Manchester United have each been issued with an additional 7,500 tickets for their fans.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    “This is to help meet the likely demand for each club and is almost double the amount of tickets that the finalists received last year.”
    The Red Devils reached the final after beating Brighton 3-2 in the semi-final, while Chelsea beat Aston Villa 1-0.
    The final at Wembley will kick off at 2.30 pm and will be shown on BBC One. More

  • in

    Women’s FA Cup final – Chelsea vs Man Utd: Date, start time, TV channel and FREE live stream for huge clash at Wembley

    FA CUP holders Chelsea will defend their title against Marc Skinner’s Manchester United.Emma Hayes’ side beat Manchester City 3-2 to lift the trophy in last year’s final.
    Chelsea won the 2022 FA CupCredit: GETTY
    Chelsea will be hoping to make it their third Women’s FA Cup triumph in a row.
    This year’s final will be played in front of a sold-out Wembley stadium for the first time.
    Last year’s attendance was 49,094, which means over 40,000 more spectators will be at Wembley for this year’s showpiece.
    When is the Women’s FA Cup final – Chelsea vs Man United?

    The Women’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Man United will take place on Sunday, May 14.
    Kick off will be at 2:30pm GMT.
    Wembley will play host.

    READ MORE IN WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
    What channel is the Women’s FA Cup final – Chelsea vs Man United on?

    The Women’s FA Cup final will be broadcast live on BBC 1.
    Coverage begins at 1:50pm GMT.
    Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

    Can the Women’s FA Cup final – Chelsea vs Man United be live streamed for FREE?

    Yes! The Womens FA Cup final can be live streamed for FREE via the BBC iPlayer, providing you have a valid TV license.
    You can download the BBC iPlayer app for free onto your mobile or tablet device.
    Alternatively, you can watch BBC iPlayer on your laptop or computer via the website.

    Team news
    Chelsea’s Sam Kerr is a doubt after she was withdrawn early on against Everton last weekend.
    The Aussie went down with an ankle injury just seven minutes after making it 2-0 to the Blues.
    Most read in Football
    Fran Kirby has been unavailable since February, and the club have recently confirmed she will be missing for a ‘significant period’.
    Marc Skinner will be without Maria Thorisdottir who will continue to recover from her long-term foot injury. More

  • in

    Militant rail union bosses try to wreck FA Cup final and Derby by unleashing strike misery on sports fans

    BITTER rail union bosses are unleashing strike misery on one of the biggest sporting days of the year.Aslef’s Mick Whelan — a self-styled pal of the workers — will try to wreck two of their favourite events.
    Rail union bosses are unleashing strike misery on footie fans heading to the FA Cup final, which Liverpool won last yearCredit: Getty
    The FA Cup final will be held at Wembley Stadium on June 3Credit: Alamy
    Racegoers and punters must make new travel plans for the Epsom Derby the same dayCredit: PA
    Disruption on June 3 will hit fans going to the FA Cup Final and racegoers heading to Epsom for The Derby.
    The walkout, one of three by Aslef, will inflict transport hell on 80,000 Manchester City and Manchester United followers.
    Aslef members will also strike on May 12 and May 31.
    In another major blow, rail workers with the RMT union will strike on May 13 — the day of the Eurovision final in Liverpool.
    READ MORE ON STRIKE CHAOS
    Aslef general secretary Mick ­Whelan, who enjoys a £151,371-a- year package, has a desk full of Chelsea memorabilia.
    His side were thrashed 4-0 by City in the Cup’s third round.
    Aslef president David Calfe is an Arsenal fan, whose team lost 4-1 to City in Wednesday’s title clash.
    Tory MP Brendan Clarke-Smith said: “This looks like nothing more than sour grapes on the part of the union after their teams have lost.
    Most read in Football
    “The actions of Aslef will ruin the plans for football fans, families and those wanting to experience Eurovision. I’m giving them nul points.”
    Kevin Parker, of the Manchester City Official Supporters Club, said: “This is the last thing we need.”
    The Manchester United Supporters Trust added: “We need all modes of transport available to cope with the level of demand and the railways are a key part of that.
    “We call on the Government and union to find a way to avert this.”
    The May 12 eve-of-Eurovision action will hit 3,000 Ukrainians invited to the song contest which their war-torn nation cannot host.
    In another major blow, rail workers with the RMT union will strike on May 13, the day of the Eurovision final in Liverpool
    Aslef members will also strike on May 12 and May 31Credit: LNP
    Footie fans will be travelling to six Premier League fixtures on May 13.
    Families planning half-term trips later in May, and cricket fans heading to the England vs Ireland Test match at Lord’s also face chaos.
    Downing Street called the walkouts “incredibly disappointing”.
    A No10 spokesman said: “We believe the offer that’s on the table is fair and reasonable.”
    Tory MP Greg Smith, who sits on the Transport Select Committee, said: “Unbelievable that Aslef want to inflict more misery on the great British public at such an important time in the sporting calendar.
    “They need to understand the damage they are doing and reflect on the high salaries they enjoy.”
    Tory MP Caroline Dinenage said of the song contest final: “This is Ukraine’s Eurovision and British people have put their heart and soul into doing it justice for them.
    “It feels heartless to deprive Ukrainian people the rare opportunity for escapism after everything they have endured.”
    The strikes will heap further pain on pubs and restaurants trying to recover from the pandemic. The sector has lost more than £3billion in sales as a result of the strikes and the high-demand summer ­period will now be impacted.
    Kate Nicholls, of UK Hospitality, said: “It’s incredibly frustrating that almost a year on from the start of this dispute, there appears to be no resolution in sight.”
    Aslef announced its strikes after a meeting of the executive. Mr Whelan described the new pay offer of eight per cent over two years as “risible”.
    He said: “The proposal was clearly not designed to be accepted as inflation is still running north of ten per cent and our members at these companies have not had an increase for four years.”
    The union said all non-contractual overtime from May 15 for six days and also on ­Saturday 13 and Thursday June 1 will be withdrawn, which will likely affect services.
    The RMT turned down an offer which included a first-year payment of five per cent but only if no ­further walkouts would take place
    Aslef general secretary Mick ­Whelan, who enjoys a £151,371-a- year package, has a desk full of Chelsea memorabiliaCredit: Getty
    Aslef president David Calfe is an Arsenal fan, whose team lost 4-1 to City in Wednesday’s title clash
    Boss Mick Lynch said: “We have no alternative but to press ahead with more strike action.”
    Transport Secretary Mark Harper called on Aslef to let its members vote on the deal put forward by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG).
    He said: “It is deeply disappointing that Aslef has decided to call strikes and ban overtime, targeting thousands of people attending the UK’s first Eurovision event in 25 years, including Ukrainians displaced by Putin’s war, and the first all-Manchester FA Cup final.
    “The offer from the RDG included urgent reform to ensure our railways are financially sustainable for the benefit of passengers, workers and the taxpayer as well as delivering a pay rise for members whose salary already averages £60,000.
    “Aslef need to call off strikes and give their members a say on this.”
    Aslef said it had met employers eight times over a year to find a resolution. They claimed they had to hold eight strike days before the Government would even negotiate.
    A union source added: “The teams Mick and Dave support have no bearing on the days action will be taken.”
    They added they have to give 14 days notice to call strikes to try to ensure rosters are filled.
    Read More on The Sun
    The Rail Delivery Group said: “Senselessly targeting Eurovision and the FA Cup final is disappointing for all those planning to attend.
    “We urge Aslef leadership to rejoin us at the negotiating table.” More

  • in

    When is the FA Cup final? Man City vs Man Utd date and kick-off time ahead of HUGE derby day showdown – stream FREE, TV

    MANCHESTER UNITED booked their place in the final after beating Brighton on penalties.The semi-final between the two sides ended goalless after 120 minutes, forcing spot kicks to decide who will join Manchester City in the prestigious cup final.
    Manchester United beat Brighton on penalty to reach FA Cup finalCredit: GETTY
    Riyad Mahrez scored a hat-trick in City’s FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield UnitedCredit: ALAMY
    Solly March missed the decisive penalty, which meant the Red Devils will progress to the final to meet their local rivals.
    Man City breezed past Championship side Sheffield United in their semi-final clash, beating the Blades 3-0.
    Riyad Mahrez claimed a stunning hat-trick to put City in the final and keep their treble dream alive.
    Eric ten Hag’s side will do everything in their power to deny the Cityzens any chance of a historic treble-winning season.
    READ MORE IN FA CUP
    When is the FA Cup Final: Man City vs Man United?

    Man City vs Man United will take place on Saturday, June 3.
    Kick off will be at 3pm UK time.
    Wembley will play host.

    What channel is the FA Cup Final: Man City vs Man United on and can it be live streamed FREE?

    This year’s FA Cup final between Man City and Man United will be broadcast live on ITV and BBC.
    You can live stream the game for FREE via either BBC iPlayer or ITV X, providing you have a valid TV licence.
    Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to stay up to date with all the action.

    Odds
    To win the FA Cup outright:
    Man City – 4/11
    Most read in FA Cup
    Man United – 2/1
    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

  • in

    Arsenal 1 West Ham 5: Watch wonderkid Kodua score 35-yard chip as Wilshere’s boys suffer FA Youth Cup final heartbreak

    THE Boleyn babies of 1999 have finally been emulated – and in some style thanks to Gideon Kodua’s 35-yard stunner.It was 24 years ago that the likes of Joe Cole and Michael Carrick led West Ham’s youngsters to the FA Youth Cup with a 9-0 victory against Coventry City over two legs.
    Gideon Kodua let fly from 35 yards out to lob the Arsenal goalkeeperCredit: Getty
    West Ham turned on the style with five goals at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
    That was their third youth cup triumph, adding to the glory years of 1963 and 1981.
    Now, after an historic evening at the Emirates, the class of 2023 have made it four – stuffing Jack Wilshere’s young Guns in their own North London backyard.
    New names will be etched into the history books, such as goal scorers George Earthy, Callum Marshall, skipper Kodua, Kaelan Casey and Josh Briggs.
    Divin Mubama and Oliver Scarles – who have already tasted first team football under David Moyes this season – also shone brightly.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    The 7,000 raucous travelling West Ham fans – who treated this like an FA Cup final proper – will be hoping at least one of those could be the new Cole or Carrick.
    It has been so long since the club’s faithful supporters have had a Golden Generation of East London graduates to idolise. Maybe this is the start of something.
    The FA Youth Cup is often the breeding ground for future stars on the big stage, from Manchester City’s Jadon Sancho in 2017 to Everton’s Wayne Rooney in 2002.
    But as former academy boy, club legend and now sporting director Mark Noble said before kick-off, whatever happens from now, these lads will be remembered forever.
    Most read in FA Cup

    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    Current captain Declan Rice watched on from the stands. He may be leaving in the summer to play in this very stadium, but as a fellow Hammers alumni, he will have been proud.
    Now, it is down to him and his senior teammates to go one better and lift a trophy of their own in the Europa Conference League ahead of next month’s semi-final against AZ Alkmaar.
    Coming from behind after Omari Benjamin’s stunner in the seventh minute for the hosts, Kevin Keen’s West Ham never looked back.
    Gunners coach Wilshere knows all about that winning feeling in this competition, lifting the trophy in 2009 before going on to become one of the club’s best players.
    As a young coach, 31, he has now tasted defeat, but under his guise the development of Reuell Walters, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Myles Lewis-Skelly and 16-year-old Ethan Nwaneri – who made his Prem debut at Brentford in September – is promising.
    In front of a 34,000 crowd, Arsenal started the better side with Benjamin curling a first-time beauty into the top corner.
    Yet West Ham responded emphatically. Earthy and Marshall scored one each in the 17th and 19th minute before Kodua then hit a stunning chip from 35 yards out.
    As Arsenal tired, West Ham added the cherry on the cake from corners via Casey and Briggs.
    Omari Benjamin put Arsenal in front early onCredit: Getty
    Jack Wilshere is the coach of the Gunners’ Under-18s sideCredit: Getty
    Arsenal coach Jack Wilshere said: “It’s difficult at the moment to analyse the run. The boys have been exceptional. Big lessons tonight and important they take them but they should be proud.
    “They have given me and the staff some unbelievable memories and when they happen you have to appreciate them. The boys are on the floor in the dressing room but they have to learn from that.
    “My overriding feeling is devastation, for myself and the boys. You lose a final 5-1 at home it looks bad and it can affect you. It looks like a disaster. We had moments, but we didn’t manage it.
    “These boys are on a good pathway and we will continue supporting them. It is not a make-or-break night. You measure development over time not on one night. It is down to them.”
    West Ham coach Kevin Keen said: “This is my 40th season in football and it is as proud as I have ever been. To come here and have that support behind us, it is an incredible moment for the academy and the club.
    “After such a long time for a club associated with its academy, it is a massive moment. In the past there was a lot of pressure attached to being the Academy of Football, but hopefully we have dispelled that.
    “Mark Noble and Declan Rice were on the side of the pitch. Hopefully we have a few here who will have careers at this club.

    “I’d take this group above everyone for the rest of my life.
    “They were going nuts in the dressing room, but they won’t be going out for any beers, not even me.”
    There was plenty of needle between the London rivalsCredit: Getty
    The Arsenal players gathered in a huddle after going 3-1 downCredit: YouTube
    Declan Rice and Mark Noble were joined by golfer and Hammers fan Billy HorschelCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Manchester derby FA Cup final kick-off time revealed as it is moved for first time in 12 YEARS after police warning

    THE FA Cup final is set to revert to its traditional kickoff slot – for the first time in 12 years.Manchester City’s potential treble-chasing FA Cup Final with neighbours United is now poised for a 3pm start on June 3 after police intervention.
    The FA Cup final is set to kick-off at 3pmCredit: Alamy
    And the knock-on effects are also to include the Epsom Derby field going to the stalls later than scheduled the same afternoon.
    ITV is screening both the Epsom showpiece and – alongside the BBC – the Wembley clash on June 3.
    But while it had been expected the FA Cup Final would start at 5.30pm, Metropolitan Police made it clear the “high-risk” match had to begin earlier.
    There were also concerns about fans getting back to the north west by train.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    That has seen the game switched back to 3pm.
    It will be the first time since City beat Stoke – on the same day United won the Premier League title in 2011 – that the FA Cup final has kicked off at 3pm.

    But it means a switch for the most famous of the Classic races, which had been due to go to post at 4.30pm.
    Instead, the Derby will now start at the end of the post final ceremonials.
    Most read in FA Cup
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    That could mean the stalls opening at around 6pm if the Wembley showpiece goes to extra time and penalties.
    City reached the FA Cup Final with a routine 3-0 win over Sheffield United.
    United meanwhile overcame Brighton on penalties after a nervy game finished 0-0 after extra-time. More

  • in

    Man Utd stars enjoy well-earned day off after FA Cup heroics as they hit shops and eat lunch with families

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S players enjoyed some downtime with their families and friends after clinching a place in the FA Cup final.Erik ten Hag’s side beat Brighton on penalties at Wembley on Sunday to set up a clash with bitter rivals Manchester City on June 3.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka went for some food on his day off after the FA Cup semi-finalCredit: Zenpix
    Harry Maguire went to a jewellers on MondayCredit: Zenpix
    Fred headed out for lunch at Cibo with his familyCredit: Zenpix
    And they were given the day off on Monday as several stars were spotted relaxing with their loved ones.
    Club captain Harry Maguire, who was suspended for the semi-final, was snapped outside a jewellers.
    Right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka enjoyed some food in Wilmslow, Cheshire, while defender Brandon Williams also had a bite to eat.
    And midfielder Fred went for lunch with his family at Cibo – sporting a Drake T-shirt confirming “Life is good” for good measure.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    The Man Utd midfielder wore a Drake t-shirt to the mealCredit: Zenpix
    Brandon Williams also went for a bite of lunchCredit: Zenpix
    Man Utd are preparing for a hectic fortnight as they tackle five games in 16 days.
    Next up for Ten Hag’s men is a trip to North London to take on Tottenham on Thursday.
    A victory against Spurs would all but secure Champions League qualification.
    United sit six points clear of the fifth-placed Lilywhites with two games in hand.
    Most read in Football
    The trip to Tottenham is followed by tough fixtures against Aston Villa and Brighton.
    But United’s fixture pile-up has been alleviated by their exit from the Europa League.
    They were dumped out of Europe on Thursday as a dismal 3-0 second-leg defeat saw them lose 5-2 on aggregate to Sevilla. More

  • in

    Kaoru Mitoma latest Premier League star to pile praise on Man Utd defender and admits he made match ‘a complete defeat’

    KAORU MITOMA had praise for FA Cup opponent Aaron Wan-Bissaka and admitted a “complete defeat” in their individual battle.The Japanese international has been one of the surprise packages of the season for Brighton and he has frequently left defenders unable to deal with his pace and movement.
    It was a frustrating afternoon for winger Kaoru Mitoma against Aaron Wan-BissakaCredit: Getty
    But Mitoma could hardly find a way around Wan-Bissaka as Manchester United and Brighton went all the way to penalties in the FA Cup semi-finals.
    Solly March missed his sudden death spot-kick to send United through and Wan-Bissaka was lauded by fans for his performance.
    Mitoma admitted he was impressed as well.
    As quoted by One Football, the 25-year-old said: “I regret that I didn’t score a goal despite having a few chances to do so.
    READ MORE IN MAN UNITED
    “And it’s difficult to score penalties so I think I could have done something more before that.
    “I also need to improve. [Wan-Bissaka] is a strong opponent … this is what I thought while I was playing. But there were a lot of [times] where his legs stretched at the end or he got the ball back.
    “I think it was a complete defeat.”
    Wan-Bissaka was also praised by Leicester and England star James Maddison.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    The midfielder tweeted: “AWB is ridiculously good at 1 v 1 defending. Probably the best in the world bar none. So many wingers run out of ideas when playing directly against him.”
    Wan-Bissaka has only been drafted into team due to the Red Devils’ defensive injury crisis.

    Diogo Dalot has been Erik ten Hag’s preferred right-back when everyone is fit.
    Wan-Bissaka had initially struggled to get into United’s team in the first-half of the season but has had far more games this calendar year. More