Manchester United beat Man City 2-0 to book spot in Women’s FA Cup final for third consecutive year | OneFootball

Manchester United Women will play in the FA Cup final for a third consecutive year after they beat Manchester City 2-0 in the semi-finals on Sunday afternoon.

United took the lead just six minutes into the game through Celin Bizet, who got on the end of a sublime ball from Ella Toone and expertly brought it under he spell before smashing it into the top corner.

Grace Clinton doubled United’s advantage about 16 minutes later, brilliantly heading in a corner-kick delivery from Gabby George.

United will face Chelsea in the final, as they did in 2023. Chelsea booked their spot in Wembley after easing past Liverpool in a 2-1 win.

First half

United started on the front foot, pressing high as they looked to force City into mistakes. It didn’t take long before they put themselves in the driving seat, courtesy of a well-worked move that was finished off by Bizet.

The goal set the tone for United, who were aggressive out of possession and looked almost flawless on the ball.

City struggled to get a foothold on the game despite also commanding a decent share of possession. They simply weren’t able to create clear-cut goalscoring opportunities or trouble Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who was comfortable.

United launched another attack as Leah Galton found George in space in behind. George aimed a low ball into the middle but Laura Coombs intervened and snuffed out the danger. The hosts’ first attempt came through Lily Murphy but she dragged her shot wide.

Marc Skinner’s side then doubled their advantage through Clinton, who got her head to George’s sensational delivery from the corner flag.

Soon after, Toone was presented with a good chance to make it three but City goalkeeper Khiara Keating denied her.

City grew into the game a little bit more, with Murphy in particular trying to make things happen. However, the United defence led by skipper Maya Le Tissier had an answer for every single thing that was thrown at them.

Following a City attack, United sprung a good counter, with Toone releasing Galton, who picked out Bizet. The Norwegian found herself up against Keating but she couldn’t beat the shot-stopper.

United finished the half strongly as they held on to their lead.

Second half

City came out firing after the interval in an effort to get back into the game but United remained firm.

The Reds appeared content to stay compact and organised, looking to catch City on the counter. The approach nearly paid off when Bizet cut the ball back to an unmarked Elisabeth Terland at the edge of the box, but the striker was unable to hit the target.

Tullis-Joyce was forced into a stunning save. Yui Hasegawa struck the crossbar with her free-kick after Tullis-Joyce got a hand to it. Murphy nearly converted the rebound but the United goalkeeper acted fast and produced a sensational block to keep the ball out of the back of the net.

Moments later, Keating also made a top save to thwart Bizet, who was enjoying a fantastic game.

Tullis-Joyce received a yellow card for time-wasting in the 70th minute –  a booking she likely didn’t mind, as it helped diffuse the intensity of an increasingly heated match.

Le Tissier also had her name taken down after clattering into Kerolin.

To see out the game, Skinner brought on the likes of Dominique Janssen, Lisa Naalsund, Anna Sandberg, Aoife Mannion and Melvine Malard.

The changes worked, as United managed to hold on to the scoreline despite the addition of seven minutes.

The cup final will be played on Sunday, 18 May.

Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images

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