Opposition watch | Man Utd (WSL)

We return to Barclays Women’s Super League action on Sunday and it's a trip on the road as we face Manchester United, the side we will also be facing in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup final, at Leigh Sports Village (12pm UK).

Here’s a closer look at United…

Form

Following an impressive campaign last term, it has certainly been a season full of ups-and-downs for United, currently sitting fourth and nine points off Arsenal in third, winning two of their last five games in the league. They have enjoyed an good run of form at Leigh Sports Village, with their only defeat on home turf coming back in January against Liverpool (2-1), winning their last six games there and scoring 12 goals. United also booked their spot in the final of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup after an excellent 2-1 victory over Chelsea, with Lucia Garcia and Rachel Williams both netting for Marc Skinner’s side and, despite Lauren James pulling a goal back on the stroke of half-time, they held out last season’s winner to reach Wembley to make it in one loss in six outings in all competitions.

Players to watch

One of the biggest names in world football, goalkeeper Mary Earps helped England to lift the trophy in Euro 2022, reach the World Cup final alongside plenty of individual accolades, including being awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours. She stems plenty of confidence across United’s backline, with two of her Lionesses team-mates – Maya Le Tissier and Millie Turner – in front of her. Nikita Parris is the Club’s leading goalscorer with 16 goals in 25 appearances, although she has failed to score in the last five WSL games, while Ella Toone, who has made more appearances than anyone for United and is the team’s all-time topscorer, has 16 goal involvements (seven goals and nine assists) this season. They also have a familiar face in Rachel Williams, who spent two years with us and scored six goals in 38 appearances, and has netted crucial goals for United at important times, most notably, the second goal against Chelsea last weekend.

Manager – Marc Skinner

Marc Skinner certainly made an impact in his first job, leading Birmingham City to the FA Cup Final in 2017 and then to fifth place in the WLS in 2017/18. Indeed, the Blues were fourth when Skinner made the big move to the USA and Orlando Pride in the NWSL. He returned to England and United in 2021/22, taking the Reds to fourth in his first season and then a title charge last term, when they won 17 of 22 matches but that still didn't prove enough to get the better of Chelsea, who took the title by two points having won 19 of their 22. United have reached back-to-back FA Cup finals this season, previously losing 1-0 to Chelsea in May, 2023, Skinner’s side overcame the Blues in the semi-final this around to face us in the final next month.

Last time out

It was a tough outing against United when we face them earlier in the season at Brisbane Road. Despite a positive first quarter-of-an-hour, United took the lead through Hannah Blundell before three more goals after the break from Toone, Malard and Hayley Ladd.

How to watch

Sunday's match will be televised live on The FA Player. You can follow the game on our women's social channels - Instagram and X - and minute-by-minute text coverage via our Match Centre here on tottenhamhotspur.com. Match highlights and reaction will also be available via SPURSPLAY and tottenhamhotspur.com.