Tottenham must take inspiration from Manchester United after FA Cup final heartbreak

When the dust settles on this painful defeat in the FA Cup final, Tottenham will realize that they can take inspiration from their conquerors.

Growth is a gradual thing, and Spurs were well ahead of schedule in reaching a major cup final in their first season under Robert Vilahamn.

Manchester United fully deserved to become the 18th new name for the Women’s FA Cup trophy, but only a year ago the story was very different.

Many United players felt they had dominated Chelsea in last year’s final, but a Sam Kerr goal meant they lost 1-0.

This time they approached the game with an assurance that Spurs could not match. Spurs must revel in the triumph after United’s defeat last year.

It is still early in his development under Vilahamn, who has already guided the club to new heights in less than a year in charge.

“We are going to finish sixth in the WSL, we were in the FA Cup final – results-wise it was a good year,” Vilahamn said on Sunday.

“Reaching the FA Cup final was better than I expected.”

Contrasting emotions: Tottenham failed to prove they were a match for ruthless Manchester United at Wembley (The FA via Getty Images)

The key now is how Tottenham respond. They plan to sign at least three players this summer, and strengthening the squad is essential if Spurs are to close the gap to the elite teams.

Spurs will fight hard to permanently sign Grace Clinton from United. She has been a revelation on loan this season and her absence against her parent club on Sunday was keenly felt.

United have no shortage of such star power, and goalscorers Ella Toone and Lucia Garcia showed as they ran the show in front of 76,082 at a blistering Wembley, picking apart a Spurs side that looked in awe of the occasion.

“We just have to continue to grow,” Vilahamn added. “It’s only our first year. I am sure that in the coming years we will have a good chance of winning the title.

“Of course we want to (win trophies), but the main thing next year is to become the best-run club in the world.

“The players want to come here now. We have a good chance of being even better next year.