Earps: We've never performed with more heart

Early efforts from Lucia Garcia and Rachel Williams put Marc Skinner's team on the path to Wembley, before former Red Lauren James halved the deficit on the stroke of half-time.

But despite Emma Hayes's side's best efforts, United's defence – and Earps, in particular – performed brilliantly to thwart the reigning champions and see the Reds into the FA Cup final for the second season in a row.

"[It feels] so good," said Mary in an interview with BBC Sport after the match.

"This season has been so hard. It's been mentally brutal but I’m so glad, [we are] back for the final.

"One more game to go, come on."

Affectionately named 'Queen of Stops', Mary made a string of important saves in the second half of the semi-final, managing to claw away James's goalbound header when it seemed destined to bring the visitors' level.

Despite personal acclaim, our no.27 was keen to shine a light on the hunger that every single member of Skinner's team showed to beat Chelsea for the first time since United Women reformed in 2018.

"It was the most gritty, it was the one with the most heart," she said of the performance.

"Everyone that came into the game knew what we were trying to achieve.

"We’ve been lacking aggression in our games this season and the girls knew let’s really give this a good go.

"Today the girls were unbelievable. It was ugly, it was horrible, but we don’t care because we won!"

Tottenham Hotspur are the side we will meet in the final on Sunday 12 May, after the Lilywhites overcame Leicester City in their semi, with former Red Martha Thomas netting a 118th-minute winner.

The elimination of holders Chelsea means that the trophy will bear a new name this season, and Earps is determined to make sure it reads: Manchester United Women.

"To win a trophy with this club I’ve been at for five seasons would be everything," she said.

"We’ve got to stay focused on that because it's not going to be an easy game.

"Hopefully it [will be] ours but we’ve got to earn it.

"It’s not going to be easy, no way."

UNITED v CHELSEA: THE RIVALRY CONTINUES

The clubs will meet one more time this season, at Old Trafford on the last day of the Women's Super League season, Saturday 18 May. This will be six days after the Reds take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Adobe Women's FA Cup final at Wembley.

You can buy your tickets for United v Chelsea at Old Trafford here now.