Marc Skinner’s Manchester United Revival Faces Crucial FA Cup Test Against Injury-Hit City

The Manchester derby takes on a new dimension this weekend as Marc Skinner’s resurgent Manchester United travel to face an ailing Manchester City side for a pivotal Adobe Women’s FA Cup semi-final. Less than twelve months ago, few would have predicted that United – who finished fifth in last season’s Women’s Super League (WSL) – would now look the more stable and ascending project, while City are battling injuries and managerial turbulence. The stakes could not be higher, with a coveted place at Wembley on the line.

A year ago, Skinner’s position at United looked precarious, with sections of the fanbase openly questioning his tenure. Meanwhile, City, under Gareth Taylor, topped the WSL table and appeared secure. Fast forward to April 2025: Skinner has signed two contract extensions and remains the longest-serving current WSL boss, his job safe until at least 2027. Conversely, Taylor was dismissed in March, and City now languish seven points adrift of the European places under interim manager Nick Cushing.

Skinner’s turnaround has been underpinned by key results and a more robust United team identity. Last year’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Chelsea proved a turning point — the club backed Skinner, awarding him an extension before subsequently lifting the trophy at Wembley. This season, United have been models of consistency, suffering just two league defeats and boasting the division’s best defensive record with only nine goals conceded in eighteen matches. Rival coaches have noted United’s organisational discipline, while the decision to appoint Maya Le Tissier as captain at just 22 years old has instilled youthful leadership at the heart of the side.

United’s tactical evolution is notable. They have forged a reputation for fast starts — 63.9% of their league goals arrive before half-time, and critically, they have yet to concede in the opening 15 minutes of any WSL fixture this campaign. Though only seventh for total passes and eighth for passing accuracy, their relentless work rate and defensive organisation have delivered a league-best 12 clean sheets.

City, in contrast, approach this clash wrestling with adversity. Injury setbacks are mounting, with influential forwards Vivianne Miedema and Khadija Shaw both ruled out. The absence of such attacking talent places further strain on an already stretched squad, though interim boss Nick Cushing insists his side are ready for the challenge, commenting: “I have huge respect for Marc. He’s a top-level coach. I expect a really difficult game.”

United too have had worries, with Celin Bizet recently withdrawing from Norway duty due to a knock. However, Skinner was upbeat this week: “Celin’s fine, she’s trained all this week with us as well...she’s obviously okay.” The team otherwise enjoys a mostly clean bill of health, with promising teenager Evie Rabjohn making encouraging steps in her recovery from an ACL injury, although she is unlikely to feature before next season.

The rivalry has already produced tight encounters this season. In January, United scored a confidence-boosting 4-2 league win at the Etihad, but City responded with a 2-1 League Cup victory at Leigh Sports Village. Such results set the stage for a finely balanced semi-final, where momentum and composure could tip the scales.

As anticipation builds, fans of both sides can follow live coverage on BBC Two, or via in-depth commentary and post-match reaction on the Official Man City App. With Wembley beckoning, and pivotal league fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal still to come, the narrative of the season for both Manchester sides remains unwritten — but Sunday’s collision will surely shape the closing chapters.

Will Skinner’s United continue their revival and reach another Wembley final, or can City overcome adversity to turn their season around? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below.

• Manchester City Women
• Manchester United Women
• Marc Skinner

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