SKINNER’S ‘REBELS’ ARE ON A WINNER
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Marc Skinner has conceded Chelsea are the favourites heading into the Women’s FA Cup Final but insists his players are determined to land the club’s first major trophy.
A late Rachel Williams goal saw United edge past Brighton in the semi-finals to secure their maiden trip to Wembley.
Chelsea have won four FA Cups during Emma Hayes’ tenure at Kingsmeadow and are bidding to win their third consecutive title tomorrow.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that if you want to pick a favourite, then Chelsea should be put on that mantle because of the fact they have been here before and done this before,” said Skinner.
“But the reality is we have a team of rebels that want to make sure that won’t be the fact.”
Both United and Chelsea are in the hunt for a domestic Double, with just one point separating the teams in the Women’s Super League.
The Blues have triumphed in both the sides’ WSL encounters this term but Skinner believes that will have little bearing on the result.
“For the first time I’ve allowed our players to separate the games and we are looking at this before two difficult games in the league,” he said.
“This has no effect in our league and we are going to treat it as such, play it as the one-off event that it is.”
Hayes has confirmed she has close to a full complement of players at her disposal for the sold-out clash, with injured duo Millie Bright and Fran Kirby the only confirmed absentees.
“This year our team, I think it’s fair to say, have been written off quite easily, in the press particularly,” said the Chelsea boss.
“We’re always favourites in our eyes.
“What’s important is the belief, confidence and trust that’s internal.
“All of that is critical when it really matters and all I can say is we’re really looking forward to it.”