United edge Chelsea to enter Women’s FA Cup final

LONDON: Manchester United advanced to an Women’s FA Cup final against Totenham ater holding out for a historic 2-1 victory over holders Chelsea at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday.

In a rematch of last year’s final that they lost 1-0, Marc Skinner’s United went in front in the first minute through a Lucia Garcia header before doubling the advantage midway through the first half when Rachel Williams headed home.

Former United player Lauren James pulled a goal back just prior to the break and the visitors did most of the atacking thereater but were unable to force extra time, with Mary Earps making a superb save to thwart James and substitute Catarina Macario hiting the bar.

The result is a first victory for United over Chelsea since the team’s launch in 2018 – and they now have a chance to secure a maiden piece of major silverware when they return to Wembley on 12 May to face Spurs, who beat Leicester in the other semifinal earlier on Sunday.

Chelsea, meanwhile, saw a trophy bid end for the second successive game, having lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the League Cup final last time out.

They remain in the hunt for the Women’s Super League – currently topping a table in which United lie fourth – and the Champions League, with a semifinal first leg in Barcelona to come next Saturday, as they seek glory in their final few games before boss Emma Hayes departs to take charge of the US.

United made a dream start as they grabbed the lead in the opening few seconds, Chelsea full-back Eve Perisset being punished for losing possession with Leah Galton claiming the ball on the let and delivering a cross to the far post, where Garcia headed in. And ater unsuccessful atempts, the hosts then extended their advantage with Ella Toone this time providing the delivery and veteran forward Williams, brought into the starting XI for Nikita Parris, nodding past Hannah Hampton.