LONDON — Manchester United won its first major trophy by routing Tottenham 4-0 in the Women´s FA Cup final at Wembley.
Ella Toone’s stunning long-range strike in first-half stoppage time set up victory for Marc Skinner’s team.
United cruised to victory after the break through two goals from Lucia Garcia and another from Rachel Williams.
Marc Skinner praised his “history makers” as Manchester United lifted their first piece of major silverware and insisted that this is a starting point for his team, a platform from which to build for future success.
“This has to be the impetus and that springboard for us, knowing that we can deliver success for this fantastic club,” the Manchester United manager said.
“If we believe that we should be winning everything every second then we’re not in the right space right now. That’s what we want to aspire to be. To add this gives the experience for the players to build on. We’re not happy with where we will finish in the league but to be history makers for this fantastic club and for our fans means more than relief. It’s a really exciting moment.”
Their victory over Tottenham at Wembley showed a strong response from a side that had fallen at this stage last year.
Thinking back to that defeat at the hands of Chelsea, Skinner expressed delight at his players’ ability to overcome that negative experience, while also congratulating the journey of a young Spurs team.
“I felt that we were in a really good space before the gameI felt that our players were ready and didn’t overhype it.
“I want to give Tottenham a lot of credit for the run and the season they’ve had and if they use it like we had to use it last year, then it will only serve them for future successes.”
United quickly made up for defeat to Chelsea in last year’s final by lifting the trophy 12 months on.
Toone’s wonder goal broke Tottenham’s resistance when she curled the ball into the top corner from around 20 yards (meters) in the third minute of time added on in the first half, AP reported.
Williams doubled United’s lead with a powerful header nine minutes after the break.
United effectively sealed victory three minutes later, this time through Garcia, who was named player of the match.
Seizing on a weak clearance from Spurs goalkeeper Becky Spencer, Garcia pounced to score from close range.
She added her second and United’s fourth in the 74th minute by lifting a shot into the top corner from inside the box.
It is the first time since Birmingham´s victory in 2012 that the cup hasn´t been won by one of Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City.
Victory eases the pressure on Skinner, who guided the club to second place in the Women´s Super League last season but has endured a difficult campaign this time round with United set to finish fifth.
Skinner´s contract is set to expire this summer. Asked if he expected to carry on next season, the 41-year-old Skinner said: “I hope so … but we´ve created history and I have got to live in that moment.
“I believe in myself fully and I am still only a baby in terms of my career. I have lots and lots to achieve in this game.”
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