United inflict more pain on rattled Hayes
AS two embattled coaches locked horns at the home of Manchester United’s women’s team, it seemed the odds were stacked against the hosts triumphing over the perennial champions. Not only have United had an underwhelming season in the league — ‘Skinner out’ banners have become common — they had also never beaten Chelsea before yesterday. In fact, Chelsea had won 10 of 11 meetings, including last season’s FA Cup final. But a lot can change in a fortnight, as Emma Hayes has found. After losing the League Cup final and sparking debate with her accusation of ‘male aggression’ against Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall, the cracks were starting to show in the Chelsea manager’s swansong season and United could feel it. ‘We needed to do something different today that we hadn’t done in the previous Chelsea games,’ said United manager Marc Skinner. ‘Today was about being a little bit more direct — sacrificing without the ball.’ Flying out of the traps, Lucia Garcia converted United’s opener in the first minute, pouncing on Leah Galton’s cross at the back post with a terrific header. They doubled their lead 20 minutes later with almost a carbon copy of their first — this time with Ella Toone finding Rachel Williams in front of goal. Lauren James pulled one back for Chelsea on the stroke of half-time and were stronger after the break. United had Mary Earps to thanks for two heroic saves. ‘You can’t win them all,’ was Hayes’ verdict after her hope of leaving Chelsea with the treble came to an end. United face Tottenham — who beat Leicester 2-1 after extra time — in the final on May 12, and this time they will believe they can go all the way.