Manchester United legend Mary Earps returns to Old Trafford on Wednesday night, in a highly anticipated Women's Champions League showdown against Paris St-Germain. The 32-year-old goalkeeper has been in scintillating form for PSG, helping the team reach second place in the league with just three points behind Lyon.
For Earps, this return to her old club is more than just another match - it's a chance to relive some of the memories she made as a Manchester United player. "Written in the stars, some might say," Earps told BBC Sport, alluding to the long wait since her departure from Old Trafford five years ago.
After playing 125 times for United and winning the Women's FA Cup in 2024, Earps moved to PSG when her contract expired, rejecting a new deal offered by the club. Her reasons were not entirely clear, but she has since spoken out about feeling underutilized and frustrated with the team's dynamics.
Despite the controversy surrounding her move, Earps has transformed into an even better player at PSG, winning 22 of their 24 league matches last season as the club's number one goalkeeper. However, it was a disappointing campaign for the team overall, with them finishing second in the league and being knocked out of the Champions League qualifying competition.
Earps will face off against her former United teammates, including some who had been vocal about their disappointment at her departure. While there have been reports of some fans booing her at PSG's matches, Earps remains optimistic that she will receive a warm welcome back to Old Trafford.
"I'm probably expecting a little booing," she admitted, "but it might be a lot." However, United manager Marc Skinner has welcomed Earps back to Manchester and expressed confidence in her abilities. "We're looking forward to welcoming Mary back and having her as an opponent," he said. "We've always had a good relationship with her, and we respect what she did here."
Earps' former England teammate Fara Williams described her as a leader who transformed during her time at Manchester United, winning the team their first Champions League finish while there. However, Earps' decision to hand over the goalkeeper spot to Chelsea's Hannah Hampton ahead of Euro 2025 sparked controversy, with her subsequently announcing her retirement from international football.
Now, as she faces off against PSG in a highly charged match, Earps is ready to put the controversy behind her and focus on helping her new team win their first Champions League title. The spotlight will certainly be on the former United legend, who has been dominating headlines in recent weeks for comments about her former teammates and manager in her autobiography.
Despite the furore surrounding her book, Earps remains optimistic that she can put her differences with some of her former colleagues behind her. "Deep down I know Mary is a good person," Skinner said. "I'm sure part of bringing out a book is bringing out controversial stuff that will help sell the book."
With PSG heading to Old Trafford in search of their first Champions League win, Earps and United are set for an electrifying encounter on Wednesday night. Will she receive the reception she expects from her old club, or will there be some lingering resentment? Only time will tell.
For Earps, this return to her old club is more than just another match - it's a chance to relive some of the memories she made as a Manchester United player. "Written in the stars, some might say," Earps told BBC Sport, alluding to the long wait since her departure from Old Trafford five years ago.
After playing 125 times for United and winning the Women's FA Cup in 2024, Earps moved to PSG when her contract expired, rejecting a new deal offered by the club. Her reasons were not entirely clear, but she has since spoken out about feeling underutilized and frustrated with the team's dynamics.
Despite the controversy surrounding her move, Earps has transformed into an even better player at PSG, winning 22 of their 24 league matches last season as the club's number one goalkeeper. However, it was a disappointing campaign for the team overall, with them finishing second in the league and being knocked out of the Champions League qualifying competition.
Earps will face off against her former United teammates, including some who had been vocal about their disappointment at her departure. While there have been reports of some fans booing her at PSG's matches, Earps remains optimistic that she will receive a warm welcome back to Old Trafford.
"I'm probably expecting a little booing," she admitted, "but it might be a lot." However, United manager Marc Skinner has welcomed Earps back to Manchester and expressed confidence in her abilities. "We're looking forward to welcoming Mary back and having her as an opponent," he said. "We've always had a good relationship with her, and we respect what she did here."
Earps' former England teammate Fara Williams described her as a leader who transformed during her time at Manchester United, winning the team their first Champions League finish while there. However, Earps' decision to hand over the goalkeeper spot to Chelsea's Hannah Hampton ahead of Euro 2025 sparked controversy, with her subsequently announcing her retirement from international football.
Now, as she faces off against PSG in a highly charged match, Earps is ready to put the controversy behind her and focus on helping her new team win their first Champions League title. The spotlight will certainly be on the former United legend, who has been dominating headlines in recent weeks for comments about her former teammates and manager in her autobiography.
Despite the furore surrounding her book, Earps remains optimistic that she can put her differences with some of her former colleagues behind her. "Deep down I know Mary is a good person," Skinner said. "I'm sure part of bringing out a book is bringing out controversial stuff that will help sell the book."
With PSG heading to Old Trafford in search of their first Champions League win, Earps and United are set for an electrifying encounter on Wednesday night. Will she receive the reception she expects from her old club, or will there be some lingering resentment? Only time will tell.
she was good at united but didn't even make it past 5 years. PSG is like her new home now and she's killing the game 
️ but what's with all the drama about her book? seems like she just wanted to spill some tea and move on 
She's gonna get roasted by those fans who didn't want her to leave in the first place 
will be interesting to see how the fans react when they realize she's still the same player 
. She's come back stronger and better than before, saving PSG's bacon all last season. It's gonna be weird seeing her face off against old teammates who were salty about her leaving... or so I thought 
. If she gets booed, she'll just shrug it off and show them what she's made of 
!
! Mary Earps is definitely a strong player now, she's come back so powerful since leaving Manchester United 5 years ago 
. The thing that really gets me is how much drama there was around her departure from Manchester United - underutilized and frustrated? Sounds like some of those things could've been worked out if she stayed longer 
. I'm guessing there'll be a bit of tension between them, but you never know what'll happen on the pitch! 
so they're saying this woman Mary Earps is like a superstar or something cuz she used to play for Manchester United and now she's back playing against them 
and people are all excited for it I guess its weird tho that shes saying people might boo her 
and focus on winning this big game 
hopefully she can do it cuz PSG is a really good team 
The drama with her old teammates and manager might have been intense, but I believe she's moved on and ready for this big match 
And yeah, it's wild that she made headlines with some of her comments about her former teammates and manager in her autobiography... I feel like we all need to take a step back and remember that people are human and can have different opinions 
. And who knows, maybe we'll see a little bit of closure between her and some of her former colleagues? Fingers crossed for Mary Earps! 
I think not. 
it's like he's hopin we won't remember all the shady stuff she did while playin for man utd 
wouldn't that be awkward? anyway i hope she gets a warm welcome back to old trafford 
and good luck to both teams! 
. But now she's doing super well with PSG and helping them get second place in the league 
. Some of them might boo her or be salty about her leaving... but Earps is like "hey, I'm still a pro and I can win stuff" 
.
. Earps just wants to play and help PSG win that Champions League title... and I think she'll do great 
! The match on Wednesday is gonna be EPIC 
but i think she'll get a warm welcome from the crowd, everyone loves a comeback story 
lets see if she can put her differences behind her and help psg bring home that first champions league win 
her story is like a rollercoaster of ups and downs. i feel bad for the fans who might boo her, but i'm sure it's just because they want to see their former teammates shine