Skinner reveals cup final team news

Manchester United Women boss Marc Skinner has ruled Jayde Riviere out of the Adobe FA Cup final against Chelsea on Sunday.

The defender is, unfortunately, unavailable for the 13:30 BST kick-off, as Skinner plots a way to defeat the WSL champions, in order to retain the trophy won last term with a 4-0 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur.

An ankle problem sustained in the derby win over Manchester City at Old Trafford has put paid to the Canada international’s chances of appearing on the big stage.

On the plus side, striker Rachel Williams could be fit enough for Wembley, after her recent lay-off, and Aoife Mannion is free from suspension.

‘It’s an event, not a game’ Video

‘It’s an event, not a game’

Marc Skinner is staying calm and focused ahead of the final but wants the fans to be “super-excited”…

“Hopefully, we will welcome Rachel back this week as well,” Skinner told club media. “Which would be great, Aoife comes back in as well.

“We had no new niggles from the game [at Arsenal], I don’t think, but it’s likely Jayde Riviere will miss out for this one, you know, and we’re gutted for her.

“She’s been an incredible part of our season. So she took a knock in the game before last. So, for us, everybody else is fit and ready and up for selection.”

Chelsea are likely to be without Sam Kerr, Lauren James, Zecira Musovic, Femke Liefting, Kadeisha Buchanan, Jorja Fox, Sophie Ingle and Brooke Aspin.

The Blues, aiming to win the trophy for a sixth time, also have a doubt over Mayra Ramirez.

“I’m a realist,” continued Skinner. “So, when we go into this game, you’ve got to take every detail as it comes and live with no regrets. And, if we do that, we know we can beat any team.

“We’re playing against the hardest team in the country because they’re unbeaten in their WSL season, but this ain’t the WSL. This is the FA Cup and this is our cup. So we have to go into this game with a full motivation, with full focus and try to do what somebody hasn’t been able to achieve domestically this year. That’s a great challenge for us and something we’re looking forward to.

“As hard as it will be, if you’re ready to walk that wire, then we can get that glorious result again. You know, that’s what we want to do. So we want to give absolutely everything. I think you can tell by my attitude that’s what we want to do.”

Recommended:

Back to Top