How Manchester United women went from 13-year absence to FA Cup finalists

The team will take on Chelsea, who have been dominant in English women's football over the last few years, and who are also the main obstacle to Manchester United winning the Women's Super League title this year.

With the side doing so well, it is easy to forget this is a side that, only six years ago, did not exist.

Manchester United disbanded their women's team shortly after Malcolm Glazer acquired the club in 2005 when it was announced that the women's side were no longer financially profitable.

After much criticism, Manchester United women finally returned in the 2018/19 season and stormed to victory in the second-tier Championship league.

Since then, they have placed fourth every year in the WSL, always missing out on a spot in the Champions League - but this season, they sit top of the WSL and are 90 minutes away from FA Cup glory.

So what has caused their astronomical rise? talkSPORT.com takes a look.

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The Lionesses' back-heel star

Leading the front lines for United is Alessia Russo, who became a household name after her impressive back-heel goal in last year's European Championships.

Russo has continued to be prolific this season, netting 10 goals for her club and establishing herself as a starter for Sarina Wiegman's England side.

Manchester United recently rejected what would have been a world-record bid of almost £500,000 for the Russo making it clear that they would not be letting go of the England striker.

Manager Marc Skinner has spoken about the importance of recruiting World-class talent and the decision to retain Russo this season was a mark of the club's determination to challenge for the title.

The best keeper in the world

From one end of the pitch to the other, Manchester United's goalkeeper is England No.1, Mary Earps.

Earps was recently crowned The Best FIFA Goalkeeper after playing such a vital role in the Lionesses' European Championship victory last summer.

The 30-year-old had ups and downs in her career, even considering her future as recently as 2021, but is now at the top of her game.

The striker sought after by Sarina Wiegman

Perhaps one of United's most skilful players is a striker who taken herself out of consideration for the Lionesses squad.

Leah Galton has already scored 10 goals for her club this season, and her most recent performance against Tottenham saw her involved in all three goals scored by United.

Despite reported interest from Sarina Wiegman, Galton is not set to appear for the Lionesses in the upcoming World Cup but will be crucial in United's title run-in.

Galton has been at the club since they were reformed in 2018 and will be hoping to be there to help them lift their first trophy this season too.

The experienced manager

When Manchester United were reformed in 2018, it was ex-England international Casey Stoney who was tasked with leading the team to success.

Stoney received more than 100 caps for England before being appointed as the head coach of the newly-reformed team just two months before the club played their first game in the Championship.

After winning the Championship in her first season, Stoney led the team to fourth place finishes in two consecutive seasons with Manchester United before she stepped down in 2021.

Skinner was announced as the new head coach in July 2021 after leaving his previous role with Orlando Pride in the USA.

Having also managed the women's team at Birmingham City before, Skinner's wealth of experience is serving the club well as they look to set new records this season.

In his last press conference, he spoke about how he is encouraging his team to enjoy the pressure that the end of the season is bringing and it is clear Skinner has what it takes to lead this team to new heights.

Skinner joined the club on a two-year contract, but has the option to extend the contract for another year - and a good run-in for the club could well convince him to do just that.

The dedicated fans

Skinner paid tribute to the fans in his most recent press conference, calling them 'magnificent' and praising the impact they had on the team.

A group initially formed as the "MUWFC Barmy Army" in 2018, the Manchester United Women Supporters Club became an Official Supporters Club of Manchester United in October.

The FA Cup final against Chelsea has sold out for the very first time and a huge contingent is expected to be at Wembley throwing their support behind Manchester United on Sunday.

Skinner has also previously spoken about his desire to sell out Old Trafford and if the side continue to achieve as they have done this season, it is surely only a matter of time.