Manchester United must prove Sir Alex Ferguson claim right with FA Cup redemption

Sir Alex Ferguson once famously claimed that "only true champions come out and show their worth after defeat".

For Manchester United Women, this weekend will be the litmus test of that sentiment as the Reds bid to exorcise the ghosts of last season's FA Cup disappointment with a victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley. Marc Skinner's side beat Chelsea - their conquerors in last year's final - to book their place in the last two and get a shot at becoming just the fourth team since 2012 to get their hands on the trophy.

In what has largely been a campaign to forget for the club, this weekend's clash has the potential to be one of the most significant moments in United history, with the Reds looking to yield a first major piece of silverware since the women's team was reformed in 2018. For Skinner, too, Sunday is a weighty occasion, offering the chance of salvation and the opportunity to prove his pedigree as an elite-level manager.

The 41-year-old - who is out of contract this summer - has been the subject of considerable scrutiny in recent months, with some fans having made their discontent known by brandishing 'Skinner Out' banners in the stands. It was mildly surprising, then, when it was reported in April that the manager had been offered a new deal, with all signs now pointing to him staying in his post beyond the end of this month.

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"We’re adding silverware to Manchester United so I think that’s successful wherever you are as a club," Skinner said on Friday when quizzed on whether victory this weekend would