Manchester United's commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Women's FA Cup semi-final epitomised "everything we love" about the club, according to Marc Skinner.
His side will now face Chelsea in their third consecutive FA Cup final, after beating Tottenham 4-0 in the 2024 edition.
Early goals from Celin Bizet and Grace Clinton laid the foundations for United's victory in their first match since Skinner signed a new two-year contract extension with the club.
Skinner said: "It's an incredible moment for the players. They attacked everything in the game.
"They were front foot, aggressive, everything we love about Manchester United. It should've been more today!
"They deserved absolutely everything they got today. They should really enjoy it."
A THIRD CONSECUTIVE FA CUP FINAL!#MUWomen || #WomensFACup
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) April 13, 2025
Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce pulled of a remarkable second-half double save to maintain her side's cushion, tipping a Yui Hasegawa free-kick onto the crossbar before parrying a rebound from point-blank range.
Overall, she made four saves, keeping her 17th clean sheet of the season in all competitions.
"I knew [Hasegawa] that's probably one of her specialities, props to her. Honestly, it's a bit of a blur. I'm just happy I could step up in that moment for my team," said Tullis-Joyce, speaking to the official club website after the game.
Skinner credited the togetherness and "unique spirit" of his side, buoyed by their "12th player" in the stands.
"What makes us unique is that we're a family. We're at one with our fans, at one with our club. That's a spirit you can't buy," he said.
"Phallon epitomises that. Comes up big in the moment and humble enough to say 'it's just what I do'."
But he is not looking too far ahead, as Skinner's side continue to hunt down Chelsea at the top of the Women's Super League, with a trip to West Ham next weekend.
"Wembley's a long way away. We've got business in the league to look after first," he added.
Introducing your 2024-25 #AdobeWomensFACup Finalists
— Adobe Women's FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) April 13, 2025
Who are you backing to go all the way? pic.twitter.com/lUNx7RcukA
As for Manchester City, interim head coach Nick Cushing pleaded for his side to show "more desire" in the early stages.
"It's an FA Cup semi-final, you're going to be put under pressure, and you have to absorb that pressure and get through," he said.
"We didn't really show the fight and spirit we needed in the first parts of the game to compete at the level needed."
With City third in the WSL and very little to play for in the remaining four league games, Cushing urged his players to remain driven.
"[The disappointment] has to be the fuel to improve. The experiences from this one and the Chelsea Champions League second leg, they have to use this to improve our team, our fight, collectively," he said.
"Everybody, the staff and myself as the leader of this team."
City host Everton next Sunday in the WSL as they look to bounce back from semi-final derby day disappointment.