Marc Skinner's side will face Chelsea at Wembley next month, in a rematch of the 2023 final which the Blues won 1-0
Manchester United will be back at Wembley next month to defend their Women's FA Cup title, after beating Manchester City 2-0 in Sunday's semi-final. Celin Bizet's early stunner set the Red Devils on their way and Grace Clinton's header made the visitors' position even more comfortable before a quarter of the match had even been played, with City's defence unable to contain United's attack.
That lively performance in the final third was fuelled by the creativity of Ella Toone, who was brilliant whenever she got on the ball. Indeed, it was she who picked out Bizet to break the deadlock with just six minutes on the clock, the Norwegian matching a great ball with an excellent finish that flew into the top corner. A packed away end didn't have to wait long to celebrate again, either, with Clinton stretching to get on the end of a Gabby George corner just 16 minutes later in order to deservedly double United's advantage.
City grew into the game from there and forced Phallon Tullis-Joyce, fresh off the back of her international debut for the United States, into several top saves, but the visitors continued to have plenty of chances of their own, too. Indeed, Bizet was twice denied by Khiara Keating, with her also prodding the rebound of one of those opportunities wide, and Elisabeth Terland sent her one big chance well over the bar.
Fortunately, none of that would come back to haunt United, whose solid defence kept another clean sheet to book a rematch of the 2023 Women's FA Cup final against a Chelsea team that beat them 1-0 on that occasion and, this year, remain in the hunt for a quadruple.
GOAL rates United's players from the Joie Stadium…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (8/10):
Made a few superb saves to preserve her clean sheet and prevent City from getting back into things.
Jayde Riviere (8/10):
Fantastic performance on both sides of the ball. Was an outlet in attack and dealt with Murphy in defence.
Maya Le Tissier (7/10):
A little loose in possession at times, but was generally solid and helped keep City's attack quiet.
Millie Turner (7/10):
Had one nervy moment when Kerolin pressed her with real intensity. Otherwise, was assured at the back.
Gabby George (7/10):
Great corner delivery for Clinton's goal. The stand-out moment of a strong display.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):
A really focused performance in the middle. Covered the defence well and always stuck to her task.
Grace Clinton (8/10):
Brought so much energy to the table and made a real impact in both boxes. Did well to stretch to head home for 2-0 and made a goal-saving tackle on Coombs at the other end.
Ella Toone (8/10):
Absolutely superb all afternoon. Caused City so many problems and created plenty of chances.
Getty ImagesAttack
Celin Bizet (7/10):
Broke the deadlock with a stunning strike and really should've had another, too. Her movement was a nightmare for a City defence that was all at sea.
Elisabeth Terland (7/10):
Didn't get much service, but worked hard to win her duels and link play.
Leah Galton (7/10):
Was dangerous when she got going down the left, creating a few chances.
Subs & Manager
Dominique Janssen (7/10):
Replaced Clinton with just over 20 minutes to go and her defensive know-how brought added assurance to the midfield in the closing stages.
Anna Sandberg (N/A):
Brought fresh legs to left-back for the final 10 minutes.
Lisa Naalsund (N/A):
Introduced at the same time as Sandberg to freshen up the midfield.
Aoife Mannion (N/A):
Gave Riviere a well deserved and slightly early rest when brought on for the final few minutes.
Melvine Malard (N/A):
Another late sub.
Marc Skinner (7/10):
Set his team up well to cause City problems, particularly with an aggressive press. Stuck with Miyazawa in midfield, rather than bringing Janssen back in there, and that was a call that paid off, too, with him able to introduce the Dutchwoman in the second half for Clinton to help United see the win out.