Manchester United Women faced a disappointing 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup final, marking another trophyless season. Despite reaching the final for the third consecutive year, the team struggled to match Chelsea's dominance on the field. Chelsea, having already secured the WSL title with an unbeaten season, capitalized on United's defensive vulnerabilities and lack of clinical finishing.

Key Moments:

• First Half: Celin Bizet's foul on Erin Cuthbert led to a penalty, converted by Sandy Baltimore, which drained United's energy.
• Second Half: Chelsea exploited gaps in United's defense, with Catarina Macario's header and Baltimore's second goal sealing the victory.

Investment Disparity: Chelsea's significant investment in their women's team, including a reported £20 million from Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, has created a treble-winning squad. In contrast, Manchester United's lack of similar investment has widened the gap between the two clubs.

Leadership Absence: Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United's minority owner, was notably absent from the final. This follows a pattern of neglect towards the women's team, as seen when he attended the men's Premier League clash with Arsenal instead of the women's FA Cup final last year.

Manager's Perspective: United manager Marc Skinner emphasized the need for investment to close the financial gap with Chelsea. "As long as our club and team are being invested in, that is also a way of showing your support for the team," Skinner stated.

Future Prospects: United's return to European competition, albeit through qualifying rounds, offers a glimmer of hope. However, without substantial investment, the team risks continued stagnation. Ratcliffe and INEOS must prioritize the women's team to foster a competitive edge and align with the club's "one-club mentality."

Conclusion: The FA Cup final underscored the urgent need for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to invest in Manchester United Women. Only through financial backing and strategic support can the team hope to challenge Chelsea's supremacy and achieve success on both domestic and European stages.