By Hannah Pinnock
Both Manchester United and Tottenham are two teams that have risen in prominence in the women’s game over recent years following their promotion to the WSL in 2019.
Now, one will be crowned winners of the FA Cup for the first time when they battle it out at Wembley in the final of the competition on Sunday. While the Manchester club have arguably enjoyed a far smoother ride in the top flight, Spurs have had an impressive campaign under manager Robert Vilahamn following his arrival last summer.
Despite facing each other on 12 occasions across all competitions, if Spurs are to lift the trophy this weekend, they will need to overcome their opponent for the first time. United have won 10 of the 12 meetings and they've drawn only twice.
Here’s a look at the results of the last five meetings between the two teams.
Man Utd 2-2 Tottenham - April 2024
Given how comfortably United have won the majority of their games against Tottenham, many would have been surprised to see them trailing to Spurs last month. As the game at Leigh Sports Village approached the 90-minute mark, Vilahamn’s side appeared to be on their way to a historic victory over the Red Devils.
Melvine Malard had given the hosts an early lead in the first-half, but the Lilywhites fought back and goals from Jess Naz and Bethany England in the space of a few minutes fired them in front before half-time.
In took until stoppage time, but Maya Le Tissier scored late to put United back on level terms and clinch a much-needed point right at the death for her side.
Tottenham 0-4 Man Utd - December 2023
A relatively even opening half-an-hour at Brisbane Road in December was undone before half-time as Hannah Blundell put United ahead. It was the defender’s looped cross that found the back of the net and, although it appeared Melvine Malard got the final touch, the goal was officially awarded to Blundell.
It didn’t take long in the second half for Marc Skinner’s side to double their advantage, this time it was Ella Toone with the goal as she chipped goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer following a fantastic ball from Malard. The on-loan forward then turned goalscorer as she picked up a loose ball in the box and drilled it into the back of the net.
Hayley Ladd scored the fourth and final goal on what was a night to forget for Tottenham. After a positive start to the campaign for Vilahamn’s side, the result meant Spurs were without a win in five games.
Man Utd 3-0 Tottenham - May 2023
United maintained their WSL title charge last season with a comfortable 3-0 win late in the campaign against Tottenham. The Red Devils comfortably dominated the game with seven attempts on target compared to Spurs’ three.
The first of United’s efforts to find the back of the net came just after the half-hour mark as Leah Galton found the opener. Minutes later, former United star Alessia Russo doubled their advantage.
Nikita Parris, who has often stepped up for United in big moments, added a third shortly after the break. The result came at a point Spurs were under threat of relegation with interim manager Vicky Jepson in charge at the time.
Tottenham 1-2 Man United - February 2023
One of the most fiery affairs between the two teams took place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in February last year. Galton opened the scoring with just over 20 minutes left on the clock to set up a captivating end to the game.
Bethany England handed Spurs a lifeline shortly after with an equaliser, but their hopes of a result were short-lived as Molly Bartrip conceded an own goal minutes later. As if three goals in the space of 10 minutes wasn’t dramatic enough, Toone was then given her marching orders for what appeared to be a shove. The red card, however, was later rescinded upon appeal.
Regardless, Skinner’s side were forced to play the remainder of the game with 10 players and Spurs came agonisingly close to another equaliser, but United just about held on to clinch all three points.
Man Utd 3-0 Tottenham - January 2022
The second meeting between the two teams in the 2021/22 season ended in a comfortable 3-0 victory for United. The Red Devils were two goals to the good at half-time following efforts from Vilde Boe Risa and Ladd.
Galton added a third in the second-half and it was a comfortable win in the end for the hosts at Leigh Sports Village. That season, United finished fourth in the standings, just five points behind their rivals Manchester City in third.
Spurs, on the other hand, ended the campaign in fifth, 10 points behind United. It was an impressive improvement on their two previous league finishes in the WSL following their promotion to the top flight.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Man Utd Women vs Tottenham Women: The results of their last 5 meetings.
