Emma Hayes gets perfect farewell as Chelsea beat Manchester United to win WSL title

Emma Hayes had the perfect farewell after winning her seventh WSL title in her final match as Chelsea boss.

The Blues knew that to beat Manchester City to the title they would have to at least match City’s result against Aston Villa.

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Chelsea did that and more as they secured a stunning 6-0 win over Man United at Old Trafford, with Man City finishing second on goal difference despite winning 2-1.

It was also a memorable afternoon for Chelsea’s top scorer, Fran Kirby, who grabbed her sixth goal in her final appearance for the club.

For Hayes, it was the perfect place to crown his Chelsea career, with Sir Alex Ferguson among the spectators.

Hayes announced in November that she would be leaving west London after 12 hugely successful years with the club.

The 47-year-old will take charge of the United States women’s national team at the end of the WSL season, meaning their title win meant even more to the legendary manager.

It was also Chelsea’s fifth consecutive league success under Hayes.

Hayes has also won five Women’s FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups and one Women’s Community Shield.

She also received an OBE and was inducted into the Women’s Super League Hall of Fame in 2021.

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Speaking to talkSPORT after the full-time whistle, Hayes reflected on what was an emphatic way to end his superb tenure at Chelsea.

“What a sensational performance from the away team at the Theater of Dreams, I couldn’t imagine a more fitting finale for our last game.”

January recruit Mayra Ramirez was injured before the match but scored two goals in a stunning performance, with Hayes on hand to congratulate her.

“It shows you how much we’ve missed her. I don’t think people realize we’ve been without huge leaders, strikers all season, center backs all season.

“Everyone has done fantastically well to get us to this point, but it was great to have Mayra back today because she was a huge failure.”

Speaking about his successor, who has not yet been confirmed, Hayes added: “What a huge privilege it is to pass the baton to whoever it is. A wonderful team and I wish them all the best in their journey at Chelsea.”