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      Fran Kirby aims to ‘enjoy the moment’ following her title-winning departure from WSL champions Chelsea

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      FRAN KIRBY says her final few months at Chelsea had been very emotional after leaving the club a Women’s Super League champion.And while the ex-Blue, 30, wants to win more trophies in future, she vowed to enjoy her title-winning moment.Fran Kirby, pictured next to former team-mate Maren Mjelde, won a seventh WSL title with ChelseaCredit: GettyKirby netted Chelsea’s sixth goal in their 6-0 defeat of Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyKirby produced a fairytale ending to her nine-year Chelsea career with a goal scoring cameo in their 6-0 thrashing of Manchester United on Saturday.The forward, described by former Blues chief Emma Hayes as a generational talent, fired home the visitors’ final goal.Her finish was the among the strikes that helped the team become WSL champions for the fifth season in a row.Kirby, now a free agent following the expiration of her contract, told reporters: “The last few months have been very emotional and very trying to get through one day at a time.Read More Football Stories “For me, as a footballer, you always know these situations happen and probably when I was announcing it around that time, I was very emotional.“But at the end of the day, I just wanted to get to the end of the season and win a trophy so that became my main focus.”For me now it’s just (about) enjoying it, enjoying the moment and hopefully in the next few years I can win a few more trophies.”Following a 2015 Blues move from Reading, Kirby won 16 trophies with Chelsea including seven Women’s Super League titles.Most read in FootballThis month the forward was claimed to have attracted interest from Arsenal, with Vivianne Miedema leaving.But it’s thought the Gunners’ interest in her has since cooled with the north London giants reported to be eyeing a swoop for Barcelona ace Mariona Caldentey.Whichever club Kirby moves to next, the Lioness ace hopes to keep on winning as well as bringing out the best in those around her.The forward, named in England’s squad for two upcoming Euros qualifier duels with France, adds: “I’m super competitive in everything I do I want to win.”As I’ve said before in previous interviews, whether that’s at this club, or wherever else I go.”My main focus is to win and to try and help whoever I can around me and that is what I’m going to do.”For Kirby’s former boss Hayes’, the grind continues with the ex-Chelsea chief going straight to work in her new role as USA women’s national team head coach this week.Her side will play four warm-up fixtures in preparation for their battle for a gold medal in the Paris Olympics women’s football contest.The first two of those friendlies will be duels with South Korea in Colorado and Minnesota on the first and fifth of June.On whether she feels ready to get straight to work again, Hayes, 47, said: “It’s not tiring thinking about going to the Olympics is it? It’s different, a different energy.“I’ll be reinvigorated and re-energised with something else.  Sometimes people think you need a rest, but sometimes you just need to change.“On Monday I speak to (officials about) players and staff and Tuesday I’m on a leadership call with the US leadership (team). Emma Hayes is getting straight to work in her new role as head coach of the USA women’s national teamCredit: Getty”On Wednesday I fly to New York and then there is press on Thursday in Denver.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And on Friday I will speak to staff and get prepared for the team to arrive next Monday. “They deserve my full attention and they will get that from me.” More

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      Man Utd 0 Chelsea 6: Emma Hayes bids farewell to Blues by sealing WSL title on dramatic final day at Old Trafford

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      MAYRA RAMIREZ caused magnificent mayhem, lighting the fuse for a six-goal Chelsea rampage with Emma Hayes given a storming send-off. The Colombian bagged a brace in a 6-0 Old Trafford trouncing of Manchester United, with Fran Kirby also netting in her final Blues outing.Emma Hayes signed off her Chelsea reign in styleCredit: ReutersFran Kirby signed off on her Chelsea career with a goalCredit: GettyAnd was mobbed by her Chelsea team-matesCredit: GettyThe one-sided demolition saw the team crowned Women’s Super League queens for a fifth successive time with England boss Sarina Wiegman and United icon Sir Alex Ferguson watching from the standsThe visitors also took their trophy tally from 15 to a sweet 16 with Hayes ending her Blues’ reign as a top-flight champion 12 years on from starting her job without an office or staff.Women’s Super League  season finales did not come much more intense than today’s fixtures with the race once again going to the wire.  The stakes were high for the Blues who started the day top but level on points with second-placed Man City initially by virtue of a plus-two goal difference advantage.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was the final day their blunt-talking, serial-winning boss Hayes would be in their dugout before taking charge of the USA Women’s national team at the end of this term. In a season that began with dreams of a quadruple trophy treble, hopes that were later dashed, the visitors were eager to give their boss another silverware send-off With Arsenal defeating them in the Conti Cup, Barcelona dispatching them in the Champions League and Man United ending their FA Cup run in the semis, the league was their only hope“The league is your bread and butter”, was a response Hayes gave at a press conference two years ago when asked how it means to her to win back-to-back titles. Most read in FootballChelsea captain Millie Bright and Emma Hayes shared a moment on the touchlineCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSYet earlier this month her seven-time title winners came so close to ending the season trophyless. A shock 4-3 loss to Liverpool took the race out of Chelsea’s hands with Gareth Taylor’s Man City looking odds on to triumph. Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea trainingBut Chelsea’s bitter rivals Arsenal clinching a hardfought away win against City earlier this month gave Hayes a second chance. “We’re not f***king done yet”, were the words Hayes’ roared after her final home game at Kingsmeadow 13 days ago.  Back then her side capitalised on Man City dropping points to reignite their title challenge by thrashing Bristol City 8-0And in today’s game they grabbed it with both hands roasting the Red Devils by racing to a 4-0 lead in 44 minutes. Ramirez, who missed the Blues’ last five matches with a hamstring injury, made a stunning return with her crocked striker pal Sam Kerr among those watching from the stands. The Colombian took just two minutes to give Chelsea a lead heading home from Guro Reiten’s cross. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd made 2-0 six minutes later, slotting into a far corner beyond United goalkeeper Mary Earps. United hit the woodwork with Maya Le Tissier’s attempted header from a corner before Sjoeke Nusken made 3-0 at close range.And they took their lead to 4-0 with Ramirez outmuscling her marker to bag her brace before half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe second spell went from bad to worse for Marc Skinner’s side with Melanie Leupolz taking advantage of their failure to clear to slam the ball into the roof of the net.And Chelsea heroine, who was playing her last Blues game before leaving the club this month, slotting home a classy finish to wrap up the hammering.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

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      Marc Skinner hopes Man United can ‘consistently win’ silverware following FA Cup success

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      MARC SKINNER wants Manchester United to become consistent trophy winners and finish this season with an Old Trafford triumph. The Red Devils chief expects Chelsea to give his side a tough time as they target a fifth successive Women’s Super League title. Marc Skinner is aiming to guide Hannah Blundell and her Man United team-mates to a win against Chelsea todayCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are looking to follow-up winning the FA Cup for the first time in their history by beating Chelsea for the first time in the WSLCredit: GettyToday’s clash at the Theatre of Dreams is one of the WSL’s biggest end-of-season fixtures. And the visitors hoped to be crowned champions on Emma Hayes’ last day at the Blues’ helm. However Skinner’s aces, who won a Women’s FA Cup for the first time by trouncing Tottenham 4-0 at Wembley last Sunday, will be looking to throw a spanner in the works. The head coach, who penned a one-year contract extension with the club, said: “The feelings of the last game have to go into this one. Read More Football Stories”I felt we were the really dominant team and we’re going to need that again. “The benefit of having played such a big game at a fantastic arena (as Wembley) to come back to our home and play against the best team in the country is something we’re looking forward to. “The players are going to give everything for our fans, for our club”But after that, it’s time for the girls to see really reflect on what’ve we’ve got to do to make sure we’re consistently winning things in the future.”Most read in FootballThe last clash between Chelsea and Man United ended with Skinner’s players emerging as 2-1 victors in this year’s FA Cup semis However the Manchester side are yet to beat their opponents in league with the Blues winning seven of their last eight top-flight encounters. Skinner added: “We played Chelsea recently in the FA Cup semi-final and that was a really difficult game against a really top opponent “But for the narrative of being at Old Trafford, we’ve just won and it’s Emma’s last game and Chelsea can still win the league, there’s a lot riding on this.”We’ve got to give everything and I know the players will do that  This season Skinner has at times come under pressure from some Man United fans with the team having had mixed results in the league. His side went toe-to-toe with Chelsea in last term’s title battle finishing two points behind the title holders and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time. However this term will see the Red Devils finishing fourth or fifth depending on whether they can win today and if fourth-placed Liverpool win, lose or draw away at Leicester. But Skinner believes his team can use their first FA Cup win to push for success in other competitions including the league.  Emma Hayes’ Blues are targeting a fifth successive WSL title win on her final day as Chelsea Women’s bossCredit: PAThe Man United chief said: “We’ve grown and we’ve shown that in a (cup) final.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’ve shown our experience and we’re going to have that for many games to come.”It can’t be just a one-off, it’s going to have to be something we utilise as our natural performance from now on.” More

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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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      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