Skinner: We won't underestimate Tottenham

The Reds take on Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley as we look to lift the trophy for the first time, on what is our second visit to the iconic national stadium in as many years.

United have beaten Spurs 4-0 and drawn 1-1 in the Barclays Women's Super League so far this season but Skinner knows this game will be different to our previous meetings with the Lilywhites.

Ahead of the game, Marc spoke to the press about underdogs, what he expects from his side and why Nikita Parris is committed to the club.

IT’S GOING TO BE DIFFICULT

"There are things that we'll learn from this season that I already know the answers to, that we can fix in the summer. I have no doubt about that. When you're at the end of a season, you want to finish it the best way that you can. We've got two finals to go, one at Old Trafford and obviously the Wembley one this weekend.

"If we add silverware, which is going to be difficult - Tottenham deserve to be in the final and not having the underdog status. If you get to a final, you deserve to be in the final. So from our perspective, we can add silverware. I think more importantly for our fans, I think that will be hugely important going forward."

WE WON’T UNDERESTIMATE IT

"Tottenham have players that have experienced finals before, so you know those players won't be overawed. But it can be a moment where it can absorb you and it can affect the way that you want to play. And look, we've got to make sure that that's how we play. We've got to make sure that we've been there, we've done it. It has to be a business for us. We have to go into this game and make it very business related. But enjoy the moment, of course, enjoy. We've got to Wembley. We're playing against a team that will be buoyed by that. You get an energy when it's your first final, so you're going to get an energy for that. I think there are ways that you can counteract that and we have to try and do that. But I'm not expecting this is an equal playing field going into it. And we cannot and will not we won't underestimate it. We know the job we've got to do."

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IS IN AN EXCITING PLACE

"I think this season in general, forget the FA Cup for a second, I think in general the competition, the competitiveness of the league has been far more and what it kind of reminds you of is that you can't stand still and you must keep progressing, keep evolving because if you don't, you can get left behind. For us, I think the investment in the league, the, the excitement of what's to come, I only think it's going to get better. And I think women's football is an exciting place to take that forward."

PARRIS IS A COMMITED PLAYER

"What I can promise you is that Nikita has always and always will remain a focused, fantastic player. Look at her numbers this year. Look how she's played. Look at the role model she is. From my perspective, when I turn up every day and I see a driven character that not only motivates herself but motivates people around her. You can tell she's 100 per cent committed to what's going on at Manchester United, and from my perspective, that is something that will come every single day. Having players like Nikita in our team is hugely important for our success going forward. She's a fantastic player for Manchester United."

TEAM NEWS

"As far as we're aware as we sit right now, everybody - barring the longer-term injuries - is available so that is positive news. Everybody's available for the squad and that's nice going into a final."

SECURE YOUR SEAT 

United Women have only one home game left in 2023/24 and it's at Old Trafford on Saturday 18 May (KO 15:00 BST), when Chelsea will be our visitors. 

It promises to be an exciting fixture to finish the season, with the Blues Chelsea still very much in the title race and preparing to say farewell to their head coach Emma Hayes.

Over 43,000 fans packed out Old Trafford earlier in the season for the Manchester derby and it’s set to be another fantastic afternoon.

Tickets are on sale now and start from just £15 for adults and £7.50 for concessions.