By Holly Wright (10/5/24)
Above: Skinner will be hoping for a happier Wembley experience this time around Image: Ben Phillips for Impetus
For the second season in a row Manchester United and Marc Skinner have made it to the Cup final at the iconic Wembley Stadium. In Friday’s press conference the United manager spoke about how he hopes to make sure this final has a different outcome.
Business as usual
In what some might have considered a disappointing campaign after finishing runners up in the league last season, Manchester United will no doubt go into Sunday’s cup final as favourites. However, Skinner emphasises it will be business as usual as they look to put behind them the heartache of last year’s defeat. “We have to go into this game and make it very business-related. We have got to Wembley, so it is important we enjoy the moment. We are playing against a team that will be buoyed by the energy you get when it is your first final, but I think there are ways that you can counteract that, and we must try and do just that. Going into this I’m expecting this to be an equal playing field and we cannot and will not underestimate it. So whatever tag people add to it, we know the job we have got to do.”
Team News
Barring the long-term injuries, Skinner has the joys of a fully fit squad to choose from, which will be a massive benefit as he goes in search of the clubs first silverware and admits “it is a nice situation to be in”.
On opponents Tottenham
“The first game we played them we were dominant [United won 4-0] and in the second half of the second game [drew 1-1] Tottenham didn’t have a single shot.”
“What I think Tottenham have done well this year – especially against the higher teams – is that they have kept their style right, but you also have to be careful with that because them tactics can get punished in big moments because it is aggressive, and it is attacking. We have got to make sure that we maximise and make sure we are the ones that make Tottenham slip and if we can do that then we can maximise the game.”
“I have no doubt when I look at Tottenham’s frontline or look at their depth in their squad and the investment, they have made that they are trying to be in a cup final so for us it is about trying to manage the game. Trying to manage the opponent but then trying to dominate as much as we can, and I want to see our experienced grow within this game.”
Experience is key
Despite being the underdogs Tottenham have some experienced players such as England internationals Beth England and Grace Clinton as well as former United player Martha Thomas who they will look to call upon in arguably the biggest game of the club’s history. “I know Tottenham have players that have experienced finals before so those players won’t be overawed by the occasion as others might, but it can also be a moment where it can absorb you. It’s a cup final: anything can happen.”
Skinner added “We would be foolish to go in super-confident and think that we are going to walk this final because Tottenham are a very good team and, on their day, they can beat anyone within this league. From my perspective it is about living in between the space where you are confident and knowing what you can do but you also have the hurt of last year that you have to push through.”
Righting the wrongs
United will be looking to go one better and lift the prestigious trophy but could use the feeling of failure to their advantage as driven motivation to ensure they don’t fall at the final hurdle for the second successive season. Skinner spoke about how it is important Tottenham are on the receiving end of defeat and how last season’s experience will give them that extra advantage against their opponents. “We got to a final and lost to Chelsea. It was a bad moment for us because we wanted to win it, but we have to go and make sure that Tottenham feel exactly what we felt. If we put that mindset into place in this game, then I feel we can go on to be successful. That is all we can plan for and hope in that moment that we have learned from all our experiences together. If we do that, then we will have a little edge on top of them in this game.”
“When the hurt hits, and you feel it and recall it, it can be an extra driving motivating factor. That is how you have to use it. We have to remember those feelings and give more. There is nobody guaranteed to win this fight – let me be very clear on that. What we have to do is give everything to make sure that our performance is worthy of victory and if we do that, and use those experiences to drive us forward, then hopefully that is the little extra we need to win the game.”
One for the fans
United have one of the WSL’s best fan bases with thousands of fans traveling home and away to support their club and make their voices heard, and what better way to end the season than giving them a legacy they can be proud of. “Silverware is part of success wherever you are as a club. I think there are things that we’ll learn from this season. You want to finish it the best way that you can. We have got two finals to go to. One at Old Trafford and obviously the Wembley one this weekend. Of course, whenever you add silverware to the situation it is going to be difficult. We are pretty humble people and Tottenham deserve to be in the final, although they might have the underdog status. If you get to a final, you deserve to be in the final but from our perspective it is important we add silverware. not just for us, but more importantly for our fans and for us a club going forward”
Manchester United will take on Tottenham Hotspur in front of a sell-out crowd at Wembley Stadium on Sunday with the momentous occasion to be shown live on BBC One. Coverage begins at 13.50 with kick off scheduled for 14.30.
Follow Impetus on social media –
Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball Facebook: @impetuswomensfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball
impetusfootball.org 