Man Utd up for the cup but trail Chelsea for ambition

The road to Wembley has taken opposing paths for Sonia Bompastor and Marc Skinner.

- JAMIE BRAIDWOOD

For Bompastor, her debut season in England as head coach at Chelsea could not have gone any smoother on the domestic front, as the champions seek to complete an unbeaten treble. For Manchester United and Skinner, a return to the Women's FA Cup final for the holders is the latest step of a tumultuous journey for the manager in the dugout, but one that he continues to lead.

There have been points where Skinner and United could have taken another turn. Last season, they reached the FA Cup final having dropped to fifth in the Women’s Super League from runners-up the year before. But their 4-0 victory over Tottenham and the club’s first major honour on a jubilant, sun-kissed day was a sign of progress, and Skinner signed a new contract extension. The critics, including any dissenting United fans, were silenced.

A second contract extension was agreed within 12 months, this one a two-year deal with the option of a further year, confirmed by the club in early April. United have rebounded from last season’s dip and will enter the Champions League qualification rounds after reclaiming their position in the WSL’s top three. While Chelsea were the runaway leaders, United were solid and consistent for most of the year, with a strong defensive record.

Another new contract for Skinner does not necessarily mean he has been backed, though. The question that will follow United – and which won’t be answered in tomorrow’s Women’s FA Cup final – is how committed the club is to closing the gap to champions Chelsea. United could rise to the occasion at

Wembley, as they did against Chelsea in last season’s FA Cup semi-finals, but it wouldn’t necessarily demonstrate they are ready to compete with Bompastor’s record-breaking side over 22 games.