Chelsea v Manchester United: Keira Walsh on why transfer was ‘like being the new kid at school’

While Walsh is a serial winner, lining up alongside her on Sunday will be another of Chelsea’s statement signings from 2025, Alyssa Thompson.

Like her experienced team-mate, 21-year-old Thompson also told BBC Sport of her trepidation when first arriving at Kingsmeadow.

“I had low expectations for myself because I was scared about being in England, away from everyone I knew,” said the USA forward. “I didn’t know if people would like me.

“It was daunting because of the calibre of players at Chelsea.”

She has impressed for Bompastor’s side this season, scoring six times in the WSL and providing a threat with her searing place and clever movement.

However, despite the Blues’ outlay in the past 14 months – they also briefly broke the women’s transfer world record to acquire centre-back Naomi Girma in January 2025 – results have taken a downturn.

Not that Thompson is accepting this.

“Winning at Chelsea is written in the DNA,” Thompson said. “That’s why people come here and one of the reasons I did. It’s a huge part of our culture.

“When you put on the Chelsea jersey, you know what you have to bring. No-one has told me that but I feel it from the team.

“It’s unspoken in the locker room.”

Thompson has enjoyed her time on international break, named player of the tournament in the SheBelieves Cup where USA won their three games against Argentina, Canada and Colombia.

Before going away, Chelsea knocked Sunday’s opponents Manchester United out of the FA Cup in extra time and this game will be a rematch of last season’s FA Cup final, also won by Bompastor’s side.

“I’m so excited,” Thompson added. “I’ve never won a senior trophy!”

Whether or not the SheBelieves Cup now counts as silverware in her eyes, Thompson will hope to be celebrating again on Sunday.

Chelsea’s intimidating record of 15 wins and just one defeat in 18 games against Manchester United puts history, at least, on her side.