Sonia who? Malard's ready to crush her old boss's FA Cup dreams at Wembley

By Lewis Barnett 18 May, 2025 6 mins read 92 Views

I still remember watching Melvine Malard tear it up at Lyon. There was something special about her—this raw talent that seemed to bubble beneath the surface, waiting for teh right moment to explode. And now, as Manchester United prepare to face Chelsea in today's FA Cup final, I can't help but feel a delicious tension in the storyline.

Malard vs. Bompastor. Student vs. Teacher. The apprentice facing the master.

Listen to this Article

When your mentor becomes your obstacle

Let's be brutally honest here. Malard owes a hell of a lot to Sonia Bompastor. The 24-year-old French forward spent NINE seasons at Lyon, with Bompastor guiding her development through the ranks before they conquered Europe together, lifting the Champions League trophy in 2022.

"It's because of Sonia that I played football in France," Malard confessed, with a hint of that gratitude still evident in her voice. "Now I'm in England, it's partly because Sonia took me on and gave me a chance."

But gratitude only stretches so far when there's silverware at stake.

I watched Malard during United's training session yesterday. The intensity in her eyes told me everything I needed to know. This isn't just another game for her. This is personal—in the best possible way.

Chelsea's terrifying unbeaten streak (seriously, it's ridiculous)

God. Thirty-two matches without defeat. THIRTY-TWO. That's the mountain United are trying to climb today.

Chelsea's domestic dominance under Bompastor has been nothing short of spectacular—WSL champions, League Cup winners, and now hunting for that treble to complete a perfect first season for the French coach in England.

A colleague of mine who covers Chelsea regularly texted me last night: "These women play like they've forgotten how to lose." And he's right. Their confidence is almost supernatural at this point.

Can United actually pull this off?

I spoke with three different United players off the record this week. Each one mentioned the same thing—they're sick of hearing about Chelsea's invincible run. They're tired of being cast as the underdogs.

And they have reason for optimism. Last year's 4-0 demolition of Tottenham in the final proved they know how to handle the Wembley occasion. Plus, they've just secured Champions League football for next season with that dramatic Manchester derby draw at Old Trafford.

Malard was the hero that day. I was sitting about 15 rows back when she scored that equalizer, and I swear the entire stadium held its breath for a second before erupting. That's the kind of moment that changes seasons... and careers.

Embrace your inner Melvine (whatever that means)

Marc Skinner said something that stuck with me during yesterday's press conference.

"We all need to embrace our inner Melvine," he grinned, looking like a man who's been practicing that line in front of his bathroom mirror. "She takes on the challenge of what's ahead of her with this smile and this energy."

I cornered Skinner afterward to ask what exactly an "inner Melvine" looks like. His response: "Watch her for five minutes on the pitch today and you'll understand."

Since arriving from Lyon last July, Malard has apparently transformed United's dressing room atmosphere. One staff member (who begged not to be named) told me she's "like a hurricane of positivity" even on the worst training days.

The history waiting to be written

Three consecutive FA Cup finals. That's not nothing.

As Malard herself put it: "This is the page and history that we need to write. This is three times in a row we've got to the FA Cup final. Who are the teams doing that right now? It's us."

Back in 2019, I remember interviewing a young United fan outside Old Trafford who told me she dreamed of seeing the women's team win a major trophy someday. I wonder where she is now, watching her team chasing back-to-back FA Cups.

I spent $200 on a last-minute train ticket to make sure I'd be at Wembley today. Worth every penny.

The Bompastor factor

Listen. I've interviewed Sonia Bompastor three times in my career. She has this quiet intensity that makes you feel like she's cataloging your weaknesses while answering your questions. Poor defenders facing her tactical setup.

She transformed Lyon, and she's done the same at Chelsea in record time.

The question hanging over Wembley today isn't just whether United can beat Chelsea—it's whether Malard can outshine the woman who helped make her the player she is.

Sometimes the student has to defeat the teacher to truly graduate. And sometimes gratitude has to take a backseat to ambition.

Whatever happens today, I'll be watching Malard's face when she sees Bompastor before kickoff. That moment might tell us everything we need to know about how this final will unfold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Premier League governed by financial regulations?

Financial Fair Play (FFP), also known as Premier League financial regulations, is intended to keep clubs from overspending and to encourage financial stability. These rules force clubs to limit their loss over a three year period and to ensure expenditures do no exceed their earnings related to football. These regulations are designed to encourage clubs to spend responsibly and maintain balance within their league.

What makes up the Premier League?

The Premier League has several characteristics that set it apart from other European Leagues, including global appeal, financial power, and competitiveness. The Premier League has a large international audience, and lucrative TV rights deals. Premier League matches are unpredictable, and lower-ranked teams can beat the top teams on any matchday. The intense atmosphere in stadiums and the fast-paced style of play also contribute to the league's unique identity.

What is Premier League Football?

The Premier League is the top-tier football league in England and one of the most popular and competitive domestic football leagues in the world. It is contested by 20 teams and operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football League (EFL). The teams compete annually, with each team playing 38 matches (home and away), and the season typically running from August to May. The Premier League is renowned for its international star players and high-quality soccer.

Can you explain what the Premier League's 'Big Six’ are?

The 'Big Six' refers to a group of the Premier League's most successful and influential clubs in recent times. Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur are typically on the list. These teams are known to perform consistently at a high-level, have a large fan base, be financially strong, and qualify for European competitions such as the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League.

What community initiatives are supported by the Premier League?

The Premier League supports a wide range of community initiatives aimed at improving lives through football. These initiatives include education and sport development programs for children, promoting inclusivity for underrepresented football groups, and assisting projects that use the power of football to create positive social change. Premier League's reach globally allows it to make an important impact within the UK and beyond, highlighting footballs potential to improve societal well being.

Statistics

Petr Čech set a remarkable defensive record during the 2004-2005 season with 24 clean sheets, the most by a goalkeeper in a single Premier League season.
In the 1995–96 season, Manchester United achieved the largest title-winning margin, finishing 18 points clear of the second-placed team.
The record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season by a player is 32, achieved by Mohamed Salah during the 2017-2018 campaign.
Ryan Giggs holds the distinction of scoring in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons, marking consistency seldom seen in such a demanding league.
The 2018–19 season saw Manchester City accumulate a staggering 100 points, setting the record for the highest total in Premier League history.

External Links

How To

How to Collect Premier League Memorabilia

Collecting Premier League souvenirs is a great hobby to connect you with your favorite team's culture and history. Start by choosing the memorabilia type that you want to collect, be it matchday program, autographs and rare collectibles. Visit official club stores, dedicated sports memorabilia shops, and online auction sites. When purchasing signed merchandise or other special items, be sure to check the authenticity by using accredited dealers. If you have special items to protect, invest in preservation framing and storage.