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      Emma Hayes ‘not stressed’ by bid to guide Chelsea to a fifth successive title in her final game in charge of the Blues

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      EMMA HAYES is relishing the WSL title race going to the wire following the “unbelievable adversity” her team has faced this term.And the Blues chief, whose 12-year reign ends this weekend, sees Maika Hamano as a key player for Chelsea’s future.Chelsea are likely to face a tricky test against Manchester United in Emma Hayes’s last game in charge of the teamCredit: PABlues fans hope to see the team pull off a win against United at Old Trafford with WSL title retention at stakeCredit: GettyMaika Hamano’s strike against Tottenham secured victory for Chelsea in their penultimate game of this WSL seasonCredit: GettyThe Japan forward, 20, netted in the Blues 1-0 defeat of Tottenham on Wednesday night, slamming a first-half shot beyond Spurs goalkeeper Bara Votikova.Her match-winning strike helped her side go top of the table above Manchester City.Both teams are currently level on points but with Chelsea carrying a plus-two goal difference advantage.Hayes, 47, said: “She’s been incredible in training, she’s Chelsea’s future and I’m always happy to keep evolving this team.Read More Football Stories “I’ve said it a thousand times. I’m leaving the next manager a fabulous team.”We’ve evolved it and Maika been fantastic in training and has been smashing goals in all week, she deserved the start (against Tottenham). This Saturday Hayes will be on the touchline for the last time as Chelsea manager before commencing her role as head coach of the USA’s women’s national team.The Blues’ final game under their gaffer will be a clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford, six days after the Red Devils lifted the Women’s FA Cup at WembleyMost read in FootballAnd like last term the battle to be crowned top-flight champions will be decided on the last day of the WSL season, with Gareth Taylor’s Man City also in contention.Should Man City dispatch Aston Villa at Villa Park, Chelsea will need a win and a higher goal difference tally than their rivals in order to secure a fifth successive title.When ask how much her team relishes taking title races to the wire, Hayes adds: “I said to them, proverbially speaking, it’s like going in with a gun in your mouth. “How do you want to respond to that?”What I love about the team is our ability, no matter that proverb, to keep their cool.”We will find a way to keep performing no matter the pressure.”These will be the things I remember the most, it won’t be the wins, the ability of human beings to keep finding a way.”People write you off, you wonder if you have more to give, we’re still finding a way.”This season has seen Chelsea face challenges with injuries with star striker Sam Kerr, forward Mia Fischel and defender Aniek Nouwen sidelined by knee ligament ruptures.And influential striker Mayra Ramirez has missed the Blues’ last four games due to injury.In a season where Chelsea lost a league cup final and Champions League and FA Cup semis duel, another title win make them WSL champs for a seventh time.Her team had their title hopes reignited when Man City fell to a 2-1 home loss to Arsenal last Sunday. A game that was followed by Chelsea trouncing Bristol City 8-0 before their narrow win against Tottenham last night. The Blues boss said: “I am enjoying myself, I’m not stressed. “I’ve been here before, I love seeing the fans and being with them.Man United are battling Liverpool for a fourth-spot finishCredit: Getty“I love the saying when someone gives you a second chance in life, make sure you don’t need a third and I love that we take it to the last day.READ MORE SUN STORIES“No matter the outcome I’m super proud of how this team keeps finding ways. “The adversity we’ve had this year has been unbelievable.” More

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      WSL record goalscorer Vivianne Miedema to leave Arsenal at the end of this season

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      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA is reportedly set to be the target of a summer transfer swoop from Manchester City, following her departure from Arsenal.The top-flight giants are thought to be plotting a move for the Gunners heroine.Vivianne Miedema will leave Arsenal as a free agent at the end of this seasonCredit: GettyThe Dutch forward is thought to be attracting interest from Manchester CityCredit: GettyEarlier Today Arsenal announced the forward’s seven-year spell with club will end when the current Women’s Super League season finishes this weekend.Her contract with the club is set to expire at the end of this season with the player departing as a free agent.The Daily Mail claims the prolific forward, who is the WSL’s all-time record scorer with 79 goals, is attracting interest from Man City and other clubs.Of Miedema’s efforts for Arsenal, club director of sport Edu said: “Viv’s goals and overall performances as an Arsenal player have been of the highest quality.Read More Football Stories”She has created so many wonderful memories for us over the years. “We thank Viv for her huge contribution towards the success of the team during her seven years with us. “We wish Viv and her family the best of health and happiness for the future.”Following her 2017 move to England from Bayern Munich, Miedema has notched up 125 goals and 50 assists in 172 Gunners appearances.Most read in FootballAnd the Dutch forward, who is also the Netherlands all-time record goalscorer, has won three league cups and a WSL title with the club.During her career with Arsenal Miedema has finished as the top-flight’s top scorer on two occasions.  This includes the 2018-19 season where her 20 goals in 22 games helped the club become WSL champions for a third time. Miedema has won the Golden Boot twice during her time with ArsenalCredit: GettyThis term has seen Miedema’s game time limited to 13 appearances with the forward undergoing minor knee surgery in March.The operation occurred five months after she made her return from an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury sustained in December 2022.Miedema’s team, who are third in the table, will host Brighton at Meadow Park on Saturday in their final WSL game of this term. More

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      Women’s FA Cup final player ratings: Man Utd star Toone wows at Wembley again but Tottenham’s Spencer suffers nightmare

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      MANCHESTER UNITED made up for last year’s heartbreak by winning the Women’s FA Cup.The Red Devil’s stormed past Tottenham 4-0, courtesy of Ella Toone, who set the ball rolling with a spectacular strike at the end of the first half.Ella Toone was the star of the show in the Women’s FA Cup finalCredit: RexSpurs keeper Becky Spencer is left gutted after her mistake leads to a United goalCredit: RexVeteran Rachel Williams added a second – 12 years from her last appearance in a cup final.While Lucia Garcia added gloss to proceedings, notching a third and fourth to put the icing on the cake.Spurs failed to register a shot on target over the 90 minutes, and struggled in the final third.Here’s how SunSport’s Luz Woolocombe rated the two sides.Read more football newsMANCHESTER UNITED Mary Earps – 8 The superstar and 2023’s sports personality of the year kept a clean sheet, although she did not have much to do. Maya Le Tissier – 7Played her part in the 4-0 victory for her side and was at the heart of Marc Skinner’s central defence. Tottenham’s zero shots on target all match paid tribute to United’s diligent back line. Hannah Blundell – 8 As per usual the full back contributed at both ends of the pitch as she put pressure on Spurs’ Jessica Naz. The four time WSL champion with Chelsea showed her experience today. Most read in FootballJayde Riviere – 7 The Canadian defender was one of manager Marc Skinner’s changes from last week’s 1-0 loss against Liverpool, replacing Gemma Evans at right back. It was a good decision and she turned out to be an important cog in the victory. England Lionesses star hints at future career change as she shows off talent as a tattoo artist Millie Turner – 8 She showed her pace when sprinting back to put a stop to Tottenham’s counter attack, in doing so demonstrating her levels of game awareness. Ella Toone – 9 The Euro 2022 star is no stranger to scoring at Wembley and pulled off an absolute blinder at the end of the first half, curling the ball into the corner from outside the 18 yard box.She has certainly showcased some serious quality here today. Leah Galton – 6Came off in the 49th minute and appeared during the celebrations on crutches. Probably not at her best in the first half and lacked the killer instinct to take the shot in the 11th minute. Katie Zelem – 8The captain was integral to some of United’s best chances throughout the match when taking corners and provided the assist for Rachel Williams. Lisa Naaslund – 8Threw away a chance late in the first half but made up for it by driving forward and providing the assist for Ella Toone’s goal at the back end of extra time in the first half. Lucia Garcia – 8The Spanish international was gifted an absolute sitter from the goalie in the 57th minute after the Tottenham goalie, Becky Spencer, passed it straight to her. Take nothing away from the player of the match though, who proved it was no fluke by hammering home a fourth.Spain international Lucia Garcia got on the scoresheet twice for UnitedCredit: GettyRachel Williams – 9 Rose to the pressure of the occasion scoring a header in the 54th minute after being a constant aerial threat throughout the game. Very impressive during her 61 minutes on the pitch and a real inspiration for her team mates.SUBS:Melvine Malard – 7The on loan striker from Lyon came on in the 49th minute, although missed a good chance 20 minutes later. Nikita Parris – 7United’s top scorer was surprisingly on the bench for the start of the match after the teams 1-0 loss to Liverpool last week, but came on for Rachel Williams in the 61st minute.She failed to add to her 16 goals across all competitions but put in a good show regardless. Nikita Parris was a surprise omission from the starting elevenCredit: AlamyGeyse de Silva – 7 The Brazilian forward came on in the 78 minute to worry Spurs’ defence even more. Hinata Miyazawa – 7Came on in the 78 minute to stretch her legs – but did not have enough time to make an impact.Aoife Mannion – 7The centre back arrived in the 78 minute to shut out any chance of Tottenham getting on the scoresheet. TOTTENHAM Becky Spencer – 5It is Impossible to overlook the shot stopper’s poor pass straight to gift United their third goal in quick succession. Becky Spencer’s mistake cost her side for United’s thirdAmanda Nilden – 7The Swedish defender showed her pace up the left flank in the first half. Also created the closest chance of the match for Spurs with a cross into Bethany England who hit the crossbar. Amy James-Turner – 6Starte in defence d instead of Molly Bartrip and despite a good work rate off the ball she did not play her best against her former team. Luana Buhler – 8One Spurs player who put in a really solid performance and commendable in defence. Ashleigh Neville – 7Played well and created one of the rare chances for Spurs in the first half, crossing a ball for Matilda Vinberg who just sent it over the bar. It was a defensive struggle for her though as United piled on the pressure. Ashleigh Neville created Spurs’ best chanceCredit: RexDrew Spence – 7Tireless work rate and determination to get back up the pitch despite the increasing score line.  Eveliina Summanen – 6 The Finland International started off well, stopping a crucial shot from Garcia in the first half. But Toone got the better of her in the first half, scoring the first goal of the match. Jessica Naz – 6She scored against United in their 2-2 draw last month but did not look close to replicating it this time round. After a brilliant season, the pressure seemed to get to her and she was taken off by boss Robert Vilaham early in the second half. Matilda Vinberg – 6Really struggled to get into the game and failed to capitalise on the space up the left hand side. Martha Thomas – 6  The pressure was on for Grace Clinton’s replacement who had no luck in front of the goal, despite a positive campaign so far. The boss took her off in the 68 minute. Bethany England – 8 The captain was definitely the best player on the team but unable to single handedly lead her team to victory or stage any kind of come-back. There was a lack of communication between the forwards and nothing ticked for the Lilywhites in the final third.Bethany England was isolated in any rare attacks for SpursCredit: PASUBS: Shuang Wang – 6 Came on at the unfortunate moment just before Zelem’s perfect free kick delivery left Spurs’ floundering. Celine Bizet – 7 Made a good run soon after coming on for Jessica Naz but was unable to make a huge impression in a game that was already won. Kit Graham – 6 Came on in the 68th minute. She’s had a strong season, but like her team’s performance today she did not bring her A game. Charlotte Grant – 6 Immediately made a poor pass after coming on in the 68th minute – a miracle was needed at this point anyway. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRosella Ayane – 6 The forward joined a depleted Spurs in the 68th minute along with Graham and Grant but like her predecessor, Thomas, she had no joy in front of the posts. READ MORE SUN STORIESCelin Ildhusoy – 6 The Norwegian forward came on early into the second half just before Rachel Williams scored. She has proven her talents earlier this season but it was not an easy situation.Mary Earps celebrates with Millie Turner, left, and Ella Toone after winning the FA CupCredit: Rex More

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      Man Utd 4 Tottenham 0: Ella Toone’s stunning strike sparks Red Devils rout as they win first ever Women’s FA Cup final

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      RACHEL WILLIAMS’ bulldozing bullet header sent Manchester United fans into a frenzy as her team charged Women’s FA Cup glory.The veteran striker’s first cup final goal in 12 years helped seal a 4-0 Red Devils’ thrashing of her former club Tottenham, with United winning the trophy for the first time ever.Manchester United beat Tottenham to win the Women’s FA CupCredit: ReutersElla Toone’s stunning strike set the Red Devils on their wayCredit: GettyThe Manchester giants’ historic victory saw them become the first team besides Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City to triumph in more than decade.The last time none of the WSL juggernaut won the trophy was back in 2012 when Williams’ old club Birmingham dispatched Chelsea.Club shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have left Man United’s travelling fans miffed by snubbing the Wembley showdown in favour of watching the club’s men’s team take on Arsenal at Old Trafford.His decision not to travel down to Wembley with Avram Glazer seen at the stadium instead seemed baffling given the game’s historic nature of the game with both clubs vying to lift the trophy for the first time.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSUnlike Ratcliffe, a few of Tottenham’s top brass and club legends joined the 67,082-strong crowd at a sun-soaked Wembley.Club icons Ozzie Ardiles and Ricky Villa were spotted in the stands alongside Spurs chief executive Daniel Levy.And while the scoreline made for a disappointing afternoon for their side, neutral observers will have been entertained by the four-goal flurry.In a season in which Marc Skinner has come under pressure from United fans, today’s match provided the chance to calls for his head from some supporters.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe head coach opted to start veteran Williams in a front three comprised of Leah Galton and Lucia Garcia.Ahead of the game retired Lioness legend Ellen spoke of one of the top tier’s longest serving players bringing a dominance in the box and the ability to sets the tone in the team’s press.Ella Toone’s England celebration explained after Lionesses hero’s strike in Women’s World Cup against AustraliaAnd she certainly rewarded Skinner’s faith in her.In a fairly balanced first-half with Tottenham initially looking solid in defence, the WSL golden oldie showed glimpses of her aerial threat.The former Spurs striker headed over the bar in the fourth minute before sending another header wide eight minutes later.Spurs had little joy in the final third early on with Martha Thomas head over in the 10th minute.And their resistance was broken at the other end when Ella Toone bagged a trademark Wembley wonder goal walloping in off her right boot in first half stoppage time from the edge of the penalty box.Rachel Williams was also on the scoresheet at Wembley StadiumCredit: AlamyUnited’s triumph sees them lift the trophy for the very first timeCredit: GettyThings went from bad to worse for Robert Vilahamn’s side in the second half with United netting twice in three minutes.First with Williams outleapping Spurs’ back line to head from Katie Zelem’s free-kick.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd then when Lucia Garcia punished a dodgy back pass from Spurs keeper Becky Spencer to slot into an empty net.And the Spaniard wrapped up a hefty trophy-winning victory for United to whip in a late strike following Melvine Malard’s assist. More

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      Man Utd 4-0 Tottenham LIVE RESULT: Toone wonder-goal and Garcia double wins Red Devils’ first ever FA Cup at Wembley

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      MANCHESTER UNITED won their first ever FA Cup today at Wembley thanks to a 4-0 win over Tottenham. Ella Toone opened the scoring before Rachel Williams made it two after the break. Lucia Garcia then grabbed two more to put the final beyond doubt against a desolate Spurs side.
      Kick-off time: 2.30pm BST
      FREE live stream: BBC iPlayer
      TV channel: BBC One
      Man Utd XI: Earps; Le Tissier, Blundell, Turner, Riviere; Zelem (C), Naalsund, Toone; Galton, Garcia, Williams
      Tottenham XI: Spencer; Neville, James-Turner, Buhler, Nilden; Spence, Summanen; Vinberg, Naz, England (C), Thomas.
      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollow ALL the latest action from Wembley with our live blog below…History makers
      Man Utd have been crowned Women’s FA Cup champions for the first time in their history.
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedManchester United FA Cup champions
      Manchester United are FA Cup Champions 2024!
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopied’Today’s the day’
      Wembley is always special. Last year we spoke as a group and said ‘one day that will be ours’ and today’s the day so I’m buzzing.”Mary Earpson Man Utd’s FA Cup final win
      Copy linkCopiedFull-time: Man Utd 4-0 Tottenham
      It just wasn’t to be for Tottenham. The Lilywhites were far from their best today and struggled throughout.
      Perhaps the occasion got the better of them, perhaps nerves played a part. But Robert Vilahamn will be proud of his players for getting here nevertheless.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedFull-time: Man Utd 4-0 Tottenham
      Just under one year after walking away from Wembley as runners-up following an FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea, Man Utd return to take the crown!
      Credit: AP
      Copy linkCopied90+1. Man Utd 4-0 Tottenham
      Boos ring around the Man Utd end as it’s announced that SIX minutes will be added on.
      Copy linkCopied90. Man Utd 4-0 Tottenham
      Man Utd’s Lucia Garcia has been named today’s Player of the Match.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopied89. Man Utd 4-0 Tottenham
      We’re into the final few minutes of the 90. Tottenham fans are still in full voice despite trailing by four goals.
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      Today’s attendance is 76,082, just short of last year’s record FA Cup final attendance at Wembley.
      Copy linkCopied83. Man Utd 4-0 Tottenham
      Man Utd are just looking to see the game out at this stage, with Tottenham looking very deflated.
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      The Red Devils make a triple change.
      Geyse is on to replace Garcia.
      Miyazawa replaces Toone.
      Mannion is on for Riviere.
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      Malard makes another run down the left and sends a cross into the box. Naalsund brings it down, setting the ball to Garcia who fires her shot into the top-left corner!
      Game over.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedGOOOOAAAAALLLLL MAN UTD!!!
      It’s four! Garcia strikes again!
      Copy linkCopied73. Man Utd 3-0 Tottenham
      United break once again as Malard makes a rapid run through on goal.
      She shoots just outside the six-yard box, but Spencer makes a fantastic save!
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      Another drinks break!
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      Another three changes for Tottenham.
      Summanen is replaced by Graham.
      Thomas makes way for Ayane.
      And Grant is on to replace Nilden.
      Copy linkCopied66. Man Utd 3-0 Tottenham
      Huge chance for Tottenham to get one back!
      The ball is crossed to England in the box, who goals for goal but her effort rattles the crossbar!
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      United have made another change with Parris replacing Williams in attack.
      Copy linkCopied61. Man Utd 3-0 Tottenham
      United almost make it four as Malard makes a run down the left before squaring the ball across goal, but nobody is there to take the shot.
      Copy linkCopied57. Man Utd 3-0 Tottenham
      A terrible attempted clearance from Spencer falls straight to the feet of Garcia, who simply taps the ball into an empty net.
      United have one hand on the trophy!
      Copy linkCopiedGOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL MAN UTD!!!
      Garcia makes it three!
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopied57. Man Utd 2-0 Tottenham
      Just before that goal Tottenham made two changes, with Wang replacing Vinberg and Bizet on for Naz.
      Copy linkCopied55. Man Utd 2-0 Tottenham
      A free kick is sent into the box by Zelem and Williams is first to it again, this time directing her header into the bottom-right corner!
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedGOOOAAAAALLLLLLL MAN UTD!!!
      Williams strikes for the Red Devils!
      Copy linkCopied52. Man Utd 1-0 Tottenham
      Naz appeals for a foul deep into Man Utd’s half following a challenge from Le Tissier, but nothing is given.
      Some boos begin to echo around the Tottenham end.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Marc Skinner hopes ‘hurt’ of first Women’s FA Cup final loss for Manchester United can fuel their bid to beat Tottenham

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      MARC SKINNER believes Manchester United can use the pain of their Women’s FA Cup final loss to Chelsea to propel them to glory.And the Red Devils chief expects his side may need deploy a mixture of styles to overcome Tottenham in this year’s final. Marc Skinner hopes it will be second time lucky for Man United when they take on Tottenham in the Women’s FA Cup final a year on from losing last year’s deciderCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils were beaten by 1-0 Chelsea in last year’s finalCredit: PAThe Wembley showdown which kicks off at 2:30pm today will be the first time the sides have faced each other in a battle to lift the trophy. And Cup history will be made with both teams vying to win the competition for the first time in its 54-year history Skinner hopes it will be a case of second time lucky following Man United falling to a 1-0 loss to the Blues last May. But while his side are seen as slight favourites he warns they cannot underestimate the threat posed by Tottenham.Read More Football StoriesReflecting on last year’s decider ahead of this year’s game, the United boss said: “We got to a final and we lost to Chelsea and it was a bad moment for us because we wanted to win it. “You’d be a fool to go in super, super confident that you’re going to walk this final because Tottenham are a very, very good team, especially on their day. “They can beat anyone within the Women’s Super League. “From my perspective, it’s about living in that space in between where you’re confident and where you know what you can do.Most read in Football“But you also have the hurt of last year that you have to push through and you have to go and make sure that Tottenham feel. “If we put that mindset into place in this game, then I feel we can go on to be successful and that’s all we can plan for. “We can plan for that performance and then hope in that moment that we’ve learned from all of our experiences together. “And if we do that hopefully we’ll have that little edge on Tottenham in this game.”This season Man United have gone unbeaten in the league against Spurs with results including a 4-0 victory last December. However Tottenham have gone undefeated in their last five games across all competitions which include a 2-2 away draw against the Red Devils last month. Skinner expects today’s game will involve his deploying a mixed approach to their play on the pitch. He adds: “There’ll be times in the final down where if you’re losing, you’ve got to throw caution to the wind and if you’re winning you might have to be more reserved. “I think this game is going to have a bit of everything for both teams. “What we’ve been trying to do over the past season is build to a crescendo of understanding of the players. “Hopefully we’ll be in a position where we can attack, but I think we’re going have to have a mixture of styles.”Today’s match will see a host of past FA Cup winners in action including Tottenham skipper Bethany England. The former Chelsea striker has lifted the trophy twice with the Blues in 2021 and 2022. And she has been in clinical form for Tottenham netting a goal in five of their last seven games across all competitions. Spurs head coach Robert Vilahamn believes England’s influence and adaptability could play a crucial role for his side in today’s game. The Tottenham boss said: “Bethany has scored for a few games in a row now. Tottenham boss Robert Vilahamn reckons Bethany England’s versatility in attack on the pitch will be vital for his sideCredit: Alamy”And she’s getting better and better at performing on the pitch and in different roles as well, sometimes as a winger, sometimes as a nine. READ MORE SUN STORIES“Then there’s the leadership team, she can bring to this team to help people, to make sure they stay present and make sure they continue to do what we are supposed to do.“She’s very important in that way and it shows that’s the reason she gives us some stuff in the game when we need it most.” More

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      Man Utd vs Tottenham – Women’s FA Cup final: FREE stream, team news as both sides look to secure title for first time

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      MANCHESTER UNITED take on Tottenham in the Women’s FA Cup final THIS weekend – and history will be made at Wembley.Marc Skinner’s side suffered heartbreak in last season’s final courtesy of Chelsea star Sam Kerr’s 68th-minute strike.Sam Kerr fired Chelsea to a FA Cup final victory against Manchester United in 2023Credit: GettyBut United got the better of the Blues in a thrilling semi-final tie this campaign and now go into this match as favourites to lift the title.However, Tottenham will be spurred on by the fact that winning would be the biggest achievement in the club’s history having never even previously made it to the final.Either way, it is guaranteed to be an historic showpiece event as neither side has ever won the FA Cup before.When is the Women’s FA Cup final – Man Utd vs Tottenham?
      Manchester United and Tottenham face off for the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday, May 12.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 2:30pm BST.
      Wembley Stadium is the allocated arena for this showpiece event and it can host 90,000 passionate fans.
      Sam Kerr’s strike saw Chelsea beat United in the 2023 Women’s FA Cup final.
      Read more on Women’s FA CupWhat channel is the Women’s FA Cup final on and can it be live streamed?
      Manchester United vs Tottenham will be broadcast LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 1:50pm BST – 40 minutes before kick-off.
      Fans can stream the action on BBC iPlayer through a mobile or any tablet device.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.
      Is the Women’s FA Cup final free to watch?Yes!Fans can watch the Women’s FA Cup final between Manchester United and Tottenham for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license.What is the team news?Manchester United star Jayde Riviere featured for 30 minutes on her return to the squad against Liverpool last Sunday.Most read in FA CupHowever, Gabby George, Emma Watson and Jess Simpson all continue to be sidelined for this huge match.Elsewhere, Tottenham manager Robert Vilahamn would have been delighted to see Celin Bizet available again.Martha Thomas and Drew Spence have also returned to action but there will be a late fitness test on Amy James-Turner who missed the trip to Everton with a ‘small issue’.What are the odds?To lift the cup
      Man Utd 2/11
      Tottenham 4/1
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More

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      ‘It would be unreal to be able to lift the trophy, but we’ve got a job to do’, says Manchester City’s Alanna Kennedy

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      ALANNA KENNEDY says being sidelined by an Achilles injury earlier this season was a frustrating period.Now the tenacious Manchester City defender wants to help her side become WSL champions for the first time in eight years.Alanna Kennedy and her Manchester City team-mates have a six-point lead over title rivals ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Cityzens are targeting two wins from their final two games this season against Arsenal and Aston VillaCredit: GettyArsenal’s last league clash with Man City resulted in a 2-1 win for the GunnersCredit: GettyThe end of this season could result in the WSL leaders fulfilling their dream of winning the title for the first time since 2016.Before their final two games the Manchester side have been in formidable form, winning 14 of their last 15 league fixtures since November 12th.However Arsenal, who they play this afternoon, won their last top-flight duel 2-1 in November.Six points separate Taylor from the second-placed Blues who host Bristol this evening and have a game in hand.Read More Football StoriesWith Chelsea having lost to Liverpool midweek, the league leaders are now closer to a title-winning triumph for the first time under Gareth Taylor.And Kennedy, who has won top-flight trophies in Australia and the United States, hopes to do so for the first time in England.The defender said: “It’s been a goal of mine on an individual front but also as a collective.”For as long as I’ve been here, we’ve had a frustrating couple of seasons, and there’s so much potential.Most read in Football”I feel this season it’s all coming to fruition and we’ve still got a job to do.”But it would just be an unreal feeling to be able to lift the trophy, especially with this group of girls.”Following an August 2021 City move as a free agent following her departure from Tottenham in May that year, Kennedy has at times seen her playing time disrupted by injury.A shoulder fracture in September 2022 delayed her start to the WSL season back then.And the defender’s return to the pitch in December that year was derailed by a calf niggle which later turned out to be a tendon problem at the back of her knee.Part of this season has seen Kennedy sidelined for just over eight weeks by an Achilles problem. An injury that forced her withdrawal in the 46th-minute of a City win against Aston Villa last December.It was not until this February that the talented centre-back made her comeback with a solid shift during City’s 1-0 Conti Cup quarters defeat of Tottenham.Reflecting on her injury spell and return to action, Kennedy added: “As a player you always want to be on the pitch and in those moments.”But I think we’ve done a really good job of making sure that everyone feels just as important, whether you are on the pitch or whether you aren’t.”I think the girls who haven’t played as much as well have also played a huge role in that.”Even during my time off, out through injury, you still feel valued and that there’s something you can bring to help from the bench as well.”It was a frustrating period, but I’m happy to be back in the squad and be able to contribute on the pitch.”Kennedy’s return has coincided with a storming run of nine wins from 11 games for Man City across all competitions.A run that has seen just five goals slip past their battle-hardened defence.Four points from their two remaining WSL fixtures this season would see the team win the title for the second time in their history.The Manchester side could also become champions if they win their game today and if Chelsea were to draw with, or lose to Bristol. Kennedy reckons this would be the icing on the cake following the two seasons where City have finished third and fourth.The Australia ace, who has made 15 WSL appearances this term, said: “We badly want to be able to have something to show for the performances we’ve put in over the last few years.Gareth Taylor is hope to guide Man City to their first WSL title win since 2016Credit: Getty“I guess our mentality has been a lot stronger this season following those missed opportunities.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve had that shared experience in the past of something that you don’t want to feel again.  “Hopefully, this season is our time.” More