Chelsea's Lucy Bronze is aiming to cplete the Tre Women's FA Cup final:Chelsea v Manchester United Venue:WembleyDate:Sunday, 18 MayKick-off:13:30 BST Coverage:Live on BBC Two, 5 Sports Extra and text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app The defending champions versus the domestic treble chasers. Manchester United will go for a second consecutive FA Cup trophy against a Chelsea side in hot pursuit of their third piece of English silverware this season in Sunday's FA Cup final at Wembley. Sonia Bompastor's side have already added the Women's Super League title to their League Cup triumph and only the FA Cup remains to make it a memorable first season for the French manager. But United boss Marc Skinner has previously outlined hisdesire to get "revenge"for their FA Cup final defeat by Chelsea two years ago and could upset the party in what has been a big week for the Blues. Off the pitch, it has been a momentous week for Chelsea. Reddit founderAlexis Ohanian has bought an 8-10% stake in the clubbelieved to be worth about £20m, stating an ambition to make Chelsea the "next global women's sports brand". On it, Bompastor's side have just completed an unbeaten season in the WSL, winning a sixth consecutive title, and are now eyeing FA Cup glory to complete a domestic treble, something her predecessor Emma Hayes achieved once in her trophy-laden 12 years with the club. "To have the opportunity to win another trophy will be something exceptional for the club, we're really focused on that. We know we can have a historical season with the treble so all our focus is on that goal," she said. Champions League glory continues to elude Chelsea but Bompastor's first season could end in an unbeaten domestic campaign should her side win the FA Cup. "It would be a really good season. Not a perfect one because we've missed one big trophy," said Bompastor. "I think it will be 50/50 [the match]. Manchester United are a good team and used to playing these finals." This video can not be played Bompastor and Chelsea eyeing a possible treble Manchester United are aiming to go back-to-back in the FA Cup having reached the final in three successive campaigns. United tasted defeat by Chelsea in their maiden FA Cup final appearance in 2023, before making a triumphant return to Wembley 12 months ago, beating Tottenham 4-0 to claim their first major piece of silverware. "The fact for Manchester United it is their third final in a row and they could win back-to-back FA Cup finals is quite extraordinary when we think about all the things that have been spoken about behind the scenes," said former England striker Ellen White on the Women's Football Weekly podcast. "I didn't think they would do as well as they did this season. They have done amazingly. They have gone under the radar, they haven't moaned, they haven't come out and said anything and they have worked relentlessly hard." Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ownership questions have been raised around how much emphasis the club are placing on their women's team with Ratcliffe previouslydescribing the men's team as the "main issue"and referring to the women's side as "girls" and "an opportunity". Manchester United finished third in the WSL to qualify for next season's Champions League ahead of rivals Manchester City Criticism was then levelled at boss Skinner, with fans unhappy that he did not confront the issues as well as suggesting United should be performing better than they were. That criticism now feels like a long time ago with Skinner's side qualifying for next season's Champions League alongside their FA Cup run. "I'm here to deliver trophies and qualify for the Champions League and do what everyone else thinks is impossible, which is to try to win the league," said Skinner. "I live with the fairies sometimes because I think we can win every game but when you are in a final you have every chance of winning it. "We're rebels. I'm a rebel, my nature is rebellious so it's about not just accepting - because they have the best resources, they don't have to be the best team on every occasion. "When you set yourself up for that challenge, you know you will have to go through hell to get the victory." United come into the match on a winless run of four matches, including a 1-0 defeat by Chelsea in the league. Chelsea have come out on top in 13 of their meetings with Manchester United while United have won once - a 2-1 win in last year's FA Cup semi-final. But Skinner said his side will have "no fear" against the five-time winners of the competition in front of a predicted crowd of 85,350. "They have achieved something incredible this season but there is no fear. Events like this is where we have to be fully focused and concentrated," he said. Preventing Chelsea from winning the treble would give United a small win in the psychological battle with Skinner making his ambition of competing with, and ultimately toppling, the standard bearers in this country clear. "Stopping them winning the treble is huge, knock them off their pedestal," said White. "On one hand they want to beat Chelsea for them not to get the treble, but the overriding factor is they want to win for themselves and their club and for what they have achieved together this season when a lot of people wrote them off."
Chelsea want treble as Man Utd eye back-to-back FA Cups
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Chelsea and Manchester United Prepare for FA Cup Final Showdown at Wembley"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
In the upcoming Women's FA Cup final, Chelsea and Manchester United are set to clash at Wembley, with both teams holding significant aspirations for the match. Chelsea, under the management of Sonia Bompastor, is on the brink of achieving a historic domestic treble, having already secured the Women's Super League title and the League Cup. Bompastor emphasized the importance of this match, stating that winning the FA Cup would be exceptional for the club and would mark a remarkable first season for her as a manager. Chelsea has enjoyed an unbeaten run in the WSL this season, and the prospect of adding the FA Cup to their accolades is a tantalizing goal. However, Manchester United, led by Marc Skinner, is determined to prevent Chelsea from achieving this feat, particularly as they seek to defend their title and avenge their previous loss to Chelsea in the 2023 FA Cup final. Skinner has expressed a desire for revenge and believes that their experience in finals will play a crucial role in this encounter.
As Manchester United arrives at Wembley, they come with the momentum of having reached the final in three consecutive years, having won their first FA Cup last year against Tottenham. Despite facing criticism earlier in the season regarding their performance and the attention given to the women's team under new ownership, United has turned their fortunes around, finishing third in the WSL and qualifying for next season's Champions League. Skinner remains confident, embracing the challenge of facing Chelsea, a team they have struggled against historically, with only one victory in their last meetings. The match promises to be intense, with both teams eager to assert their dominance. United aims not only to claim victory for themselves but also to thwart Chelsea's pursuit of the treble, which would be a significant psychological advantage in their ongoing rivalry. With an expected crowd of 85,350, the final stands as a pivotal moment in both clubs' narratives this season, highlighting the growing prominence of women's football in England.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides insight into the upcoming Women's FA Cup final, highlighting the ambitions of both Chelsea and Manchester United. Chelsea aims to complete a domestic treble, while United seeks to defend their title. By framing the narrative around these two teams, the article emphasizes the competitive landscape of women's football and the growing prominence of the sport.
Ambitions and Rivalries
The focus on Chelsea's aspirations for a treble and Manchester United's desire for revenge creates a narrative of intense rivalry, enhancing the stakes of the match. This framing encourages excitement among fans and raises awareness of women's football, which has been historically underrepresented. The mention of Chelsea's recent achievements underlines their success while positioning Manchester United as a formidable opponent.
Off-Pitch Developments
The inclusion of Alexis Ohanian's investment in Chelsea adds another layer to the story, indicating a shift toward greater financial backing in women's sports. By highlighting this development, the article suggests a broader trend of increasing investment in women's football, which could have positive implications for the sport's growth and visibility. This aspect may attract more fans and sponsors, enhancing the overall image of the league.
Public Perception and Hidden Narratives
While the article predominantly focuses on the match itself, it may also serve to distract from issues such as ongoing disparities in funding and support for women's sports compared to men's. By celebrating the successes of Chelsea and the ambitions of United, there might be an implicit avoidance of discussing the challenges women athletes still face, such as unequal pay and media coverage.
Analysis of Reliability
The article appears to be grounded in factual reporting, mentioning specific achievements, match details, and quotes from team managers. However, it is essential to recognize that the excitement generated around the match may lead to a subjective portrayal, emphasizing the positive aspects of both teams while potentially downplaying ongoing challenges in women's sports.
The article does not exhibit overtly manipulative language but does play into the narrative of rivalry and ambition, which can lead to heightened expectations among fans. The language used encourages enthusiasm and support for women's football, which could be viewed as a strategic move to bolster attendance and engagement.
Considering the context of the article, it seems reliable in its reporting of events and statements by key figures. However, the focus on a celebratory narrative might obscure some of the underlying issues still present in the sport.
In conclusion, while the article serves to promote women's football and energize the fan base, it might also inadvertently sideline critical discussions about equity in sports.