Earps Anticipates Emotional Return to Old Trafford

Upon leaving Manchester United following her contract expiration, Mary Earps found herself at a crossroads. Her departure came on the heels of a historic FA Cup victory, yet it coincided with the club’s most challenging season in the Women’s Super League to date. Earps indicated that the anticipated transition period did not align with her current career aspirations. Although Arsenal expressed interest in her, she ultimately chose Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

As both Manchester United and PSG prepare for the league phase of the Champions League, Earps shared with BBC Sport that this meeting feels “written in the stars.” She noted, “I knew from the moment [United] qualified that this opportunity was special. Sometimes you just feel it—maybe I manifested it. Returning to Old Trafford is significant for me, filled with wonderful memories, and I’m eager for the match.”

Earps witnessed firsthand the hostile reception that Alessia Russo, who made a free transfer to Arsenal in the summer of 2023, received from United fans during her first match against her former team. Reflecting on her own return, Earps acknowledged the likelihood of some booing from the crowd, stating, “I expect at least a little heckling. Some fans have shown support for me at PSG, but Manchester United remains their primary allegiance. I completely understand that.”

Factors may mitigate the intensity of the crowd’s reaction towards Earps. The game being held at Old Trafford, rather than the more intimate Leigh Sports Village, could dilute any potential hostility. The larger venue and the nature of the occasion may also attract casual fans who tend to be less vocal.

Earps’s past controversial remarks about Hannah Hampton have stirred some discomfort among Chelsea supporters, but her decision to join PSG instead of a direct competitor—unlike Russo’s switch to Arsenal—might influence United fans’ perceptions of her. Additionally, while Russo’s departure left United without a clear starting No. 9, the club had strategically prepared for Earps’s departure by signing Phallon Tullis-Joyce a year prior, who has since excelled and is among the nominees for the 2025 Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper award.

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner, who previously worked with Earps at Leicester City during her teenage years, expressed nothing but praise for her. “Mary and I have always maintained a strong relationship,” he stated. “I haven’t read her book, but I’ve heard snippets. Everyone has their truth, and Mary must convey hers. We will honor what she accomplished during her time at Manchester United while recognizing her as an opponent in this match. I look forward to the challenge of competing against her and her team this Wednesday night.”

As Manchester United aims for a third consecutive win in the Champions League after victories over Valerenga and Atletico Madrid, PSG seeks to secure their first points following losses to Wolfsburg and Real Madrid. All eyes will be on Old Trafford as both teams vie for crucial points under the stadium lights.