- Man Utd Women face Tottenham at Wembley
- Men’s team take on Arsenal on same day
- Ratcliffe labelled ‘disrespectful’
WHAT HAPPENED?
Ratcliffe was spotted at Old Trafford ahead of the showdown with Arsenal on the same day the women’s team take on Tottenham in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Reports reveal that Manchester United’s part-owner and CEO of INEOS has sent a good luck message to Marc Skinner and Co ahead of the match.
WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
X user @HaizEsque was less than impressed with the billionaire, writing: “This is so disrespectful to the women’s team. They should be ashamed.”
Meanwhile, @Madz_27 says there are plenty of people out there who are willing to support the team, posting: “Would have been nice for him to be at Wembley to show some support for the women’s team in an FA Cup final – Nevermind Jim, there’s an army of us here who have their backs ❤️🤍🖤.”
However, user @AndyJudge questioned whether Ratcliffe is at Old Trafford because he might be sacking Erik ten Hag today, saying: “I totally agree on this and it comes off as poor leadership as the women’s team are clearly shown not to be a priority when it is one football club. Unless ETH is being dismissed after the game, but it wouldn’t be Radcliffe’s sole call to make before the new director is in place.”
Finally, @SoundofFootball added: “Is that the first time he’s publicly acknowledged the existence of the women’s team? Given that Nice play in Div 2 F it doesn’t appear that women’s football is much of a priority for him.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The men’s team have very little to play for in the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season whereas the women are on the verge of winning their first ever major trophy. Erik ten Hag’s side can still secure Europe but their clash with Arsenal is not as big of an occasion as a cup final at Wembley.
DID YOU KNOW?
Man Utd were promoted to the Women’s Super League in 2019 following their title-winning campaign in the Women’s Championship. Since then, the Red Devils have not finished outside of the top four in the first division and they achieved a club-high second in the 2022-23 campaign.
WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN?
Following their huge match with Spurs, United will play one more WSL game before heading off for a summer break. They could have a massive say in the title race as they host Chelsea, who must win if they are to retain their crown before Emma Hayes departs.
