Mary Earps Faces Old Trafford Return Amid Manchester United Tensions

Mary Earps Prepares for Manchester United Showdown

Mary Earps, the former Manchester United Women’s goalkeeper, returns to Old Trafford this week with Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Women’s Champions League—a highly anticipated fixture marked by tension and anticipation. Earps departed Manchester United in 2024 after turning down a contract extension, choosing PSG over other suitors like Arsenal. Her decision followed United’s historic FA Cup win but also their worst-ever season in the Women’s Super League, highlighting a divergence between the club’s plans and her personal ambitions.

Earps Expects Mixed Reception from Manchester United Fans

The England international has openly admitted to expecting at least “a little booing” from United fans during her Champions League return. Earps told BBC Sport the match felt “written in the stars,” with her return to Old Trafford stirring up memories of past glories and controversies. She referenced the hostile reception that Alessia Russo received from fans after leaving United for Arsenal in 2023, indicating she’s prepared for similar emotions. However, Earps acknowledged that some United supporters continue to support her at PSG, understanding their primary loyalty still lies with Manchester United.

Factors That Could Soften Tensions at Old Trafford

Unlike Russo, who joined a direct rival, Earps moved abroad to PSG, a transfer less likely to stoke intense rivalry. The setting at Old Trafford—a much larger venue than the Progress With Unity Stadium—may diffuse any animosity, as casual fans are expected to outnumber vocal die-hards. Moreover, Earps’s departure was anticipated; United had already signed Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who has since thrived and earned a nomination for the 2025 Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper award.

Manchester United and PSG Set for Pivotal Women’s Champions League Clash

Wednesday’s fixture is crucial for both clubs. Manchester United aims to make it three consecutive wins in the Champions League after defeating Valerenga and Atletico Madrid, while PSG seeks their first points following losses to Wolfsburg and Real Madrid. The weight of Earps’s return and her autobiography’s revelations—particularly controversial remarks about Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton—add extra layers of intrigue to the tie.

Manager Marc Skinner Welcomes Earps Back

United boss Marc Skinner, who previously coached Earps at Leicester City, expressed support and respect for his former player. He emphasized their strong relationship and credited Earps for her contributions to Manchester United. “From our perspective, we’ll welcome her as an opponent but always pay tribute to what she did for this club,” said Skinner, highlighting the professionalism expected on both sides.

What’s Next for Mary Earps?

As United chase Champions League glory and PSG fight for survival, Earps’s individual journey continues to captivate fans. Her move to Paris signaled a new chapter, and her return to Old Trafford offers a poignant moment for reflection on her legacy in Manchester. With the spotlight firmly on Earps, Wednesday night’s match promises to be a defining occasion in her career.

Opinion: Earps’s Return Is a Test of Legacy and Loyalty

Mary Earps’s Old Trafford return with PSG embodies the complexities of modern football loyalty. While her decision to move abroad rather than to a domestic rival may soften the crowd’s reaction, it remains to be seen how United’s passionate supporters respond. Regardless of the reception, Earps’s professionalism and history at Manchester United deserve acknowledgment. The fixture is a reminder that in football, personal ambitions and club loyalties often intersect in unpredictable ways.

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