It will be the first time a team Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City lifts the trophy since 2005, when Charlton beat Everton 1-0 at the Boleyn Ground, after Tottenham booked their place in the final deep into extra time against Leicester.
The teamsheet drew the ire of United fans around the ground an hour before kick-off, the inclusion in the starting XI of Rachel Williams, a 36-year-old usually utilised from the bench, prompting confusion.
The "Skinner out" chant has followed the United manager this season and before kick-off there was more of the same. Except Marc Skinner would have the last laugh, Williams rewarding the manager for his vote of confidence with an all-action performance that caused the Chelsea backline all kinds of trouble.
"It doesn't matter," Skinner said of the criticism that has followed him. "Whether you like me or hate me, I'm still going to be the same person; I'm still going to help, I'm still here to make the team the very best, and if I can deliver that for you in the moment and you still hate me? It doesn't matter."
This story is from the April 15, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the April 15, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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