Goals from Ella Toone, Rachel Williams, and Lucia Garcia sealed an emphatic 4-0 victory for Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final over Tottenham Hotspur. However, new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was conspicuously absent, with fans making their feelings clear to Avram Glazer at Wembley after the triumph. Manchester United boss Marc Skinner defended Ratcliffe’s absence as not indicative of any preferential treatment, emphasizing the constant and honest communication between the new minority shareholder and the club’s operations.
Skinner, who is set to see his contract expire soon, views the Women’s FA Cup victory as a significant achievement amid criticism from parts of the fanbase for United’s underwhelming season in the Women’s Super League. Despite the ongoing talks about his future with the club, Skinner remains focused on pushing United forward and believes that the team is in good hands. He expressed confidence in his abilities and the club’s potential for more success, especially with the support and planning from INEOS following their takeover.
The victory marked a turning point for Manchester United Women, securing their first major honor since their reformation in 2018 and the first trophy under the club’s INEOS era. Skinner highlighted the excitement and energy within the club as they aspire to be among the elite winners in women’s football. While the season saw challenges and calls for his dismissal, Skinner remains committed to his role and believes there is still plenty to achieve in his career. He acknowledged the club’s ambitions to win titles and trophies, expressing optimism about the future with the backing of INEOS.
Ratcliffe’s absence at the Women’s FA Cup final did not overshadow the historic win for Manchester United as they clinched their first trophy. Skinner emphasized the support and communication from INEOS and expressed gratitude for the club’s representation at the event. Despite the uncertainties surrounding his contract, Skinner remained positive about his contributions to the club and was determined to continue working towards success. He also acknowledged the club’s aspirations to be among the top contenders in women’s football and anticipated the positive impact of INEOS’s involvement.
The overall atmosphere at Wembley reflected the significance of the Women’s FA Cup triumph for Manchester United Women, with fans showing their support and excitement for the team’s success. The victory not only marked a milestone for the players and coaching staff but also signaled a new chapter in the club’s history with the backing of INEOS. As Manchester United looks ahead to future seasons, the focus remains on building a competitive and successful team, driven by a shared goal of winning titles and achieving excellence in women’s football. The Women’s FA Cup victory served as a moment of celebration and optimism for the team’s potential growth and achievements under Skinner’s leadership and the support of INEOS.
