Chelsea vs Manchester United: Will it be Manchester United’s final day in the Women’s League Cup final?

Chelsea’s dominant record over United extends to the Premier League, where they have never lost in 12 meetings, winning 10 of them.

But the gap has been closed.

This season, Chelsea needed an extra-time winner to knock United out of the FA Cup in a fifth-round tie, drawing 1-1 in a WSL encounter in October.

It has been a turbulent time for the Londoners as they fell nine points behind WSL leaders Manchester City. Manager Sonia Bombastor was under pressure and off-field issues – including the departure of beloved women’s football boss Paul Green – sparked controversy and concern.

Suddenly, the ‘Mental Monsters’ look vulnerable, but can United capitalize?

“I don’t want to use this moment of weakness to do anything other than pretend we are playing against them at their best,” Skinner said. “Be prepared to give it your all, and you can beat Chelsea.”

“We all know they are a great team. There is no denying that. But if we can reach our best level in any game, I truly believe we can beat any team.

“No matter how Chelsea are, I will challenge my team to be ready and focused on winning that football match.

He added: “Chelsea will do that. They are not bothered by Manchester United, so we will not worry about them.”

Despite United’s strong season so far, some fans remain unconvinced.

This is the fourth successive season in which they have reached the domestic cup final, but they are yet to mount a genuine challenge for the Premier League title, having lifted only one major trophy, the 2024 FA Cup, during their eight-year professional existence.

Can the club achieve more? Does Skinner get the best out of his team? Should United’s ambitions be more than just reaching the finals?

“When you get to a certain level of experience in Finals, you don’t want to not give it year after year. We know that too [in] “In the league, the teams behind the top four are investing more than enough to make it an open league,” Skinner said.

“The top flight teams are still spending the most and London City are not far behind. We have to make our own marks at Manchester United. Whether you love it or hate it, we just have to compete. Sometimes we have to find different ways to do it.

“I wouldn’t say it’s not my job to get us to the cup finals and try to win it every year. All I’m asking is that if there’s a season where it doesn’t happen, you have to look at the context.”

“If you’re not doing a good job [as a manager]So we all know what’s going on. You don’t have any more as we move forward.”