Manchester United Triumphs Over PSG in Women’s Champions League: A Homecoming for Mary Earps

MANCHESTER, England — A cacophony of boos and cheers filled the air at Old Trafford as the UEFA Women’s Champions League season kicked off in dramatic fashion.

Mary Earps, the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper and former Manchester United star, anticipated a frosty reception upon her return to Manchester, and she certainly received one. Each time she touched the ball, she was met with jeers, though these were often countered by applause from segments of the crowd, which totaled 14,667. While opinions were divided concerning Earps’ presence, one sentiment united the fans: their support for Manchester United’s performance.

As rain fell steadily on Old Trafford, the stadium joined together to celebrate United’s goals, leading to a 2-1 victory over PSG, marking the team’s third consecutive triumph in European competition.

The match showcased Melvine Malard’s stunning 31st-minute goal, curling the ball past Earps into the bottom left corner. In the second half, a well-coordinated play culminated in Fridolina Rolfö securing United’s second goal after a series of 15 passes. Meanwhile, PSG was left without a point in the group stage, with Olga Carmona’s impressive strike serving only as a temporary equalizer in the match’s highlights.

This historic evening marked the women’s team’s inaugural match in Europe’s premier competition at Old Trafford. The victory served as a fitting response following United’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Aston Villa over the weekend, while also testing the limits of Marc Skinner’s thin squad. However, the significant subplot of the evening was undoubtedly Earps’ homecoming.

The atmosphere was charged, with discussions around Earps’ recently released autobiography, “All In,” which contained critical reflections on her exit from United and the conclusion of her international career with England. Even after her departure, reminders of Earps lingered around the stadium, such as a flag commemorating United’s FA Cup victory in May 2024 and a mural welcoming her back, painted shortly after her heroics in the World Cup final.

Despite her prior acclaim, the relationship between Earps and United soured, particularly following a record bid from Arsenal that the club rejected. Frustrations mounted as Earps felt there were unmet promises and unclear communication regarding the club’s future plans. Ultimately, she decided that PSG offered a better opportunity for European success.

In response to the criticisms raised in her autobiography, United manager Skinner expressed his continued respect for Earps, stating, “I know deep down Mary’s a good person… I’ll say nothing but good things about her.”

The match began with a familiar scene of Earps engaging with young fans as she went through her warm-up routine. However, once play commenced, the mixed reception continued, with boos accompanying her every touch. Amidst the tension, United aimed to solidify their strong start in the Champions League, having previously secured victories against Valerenga and Atlético Madrid, despite playing with ten players for much of the latter match.

Skinner’s strategic choices reflected a balance between league and European commitments, evident in his decision to bench Ella Toone while giving Safia Middleton-Patel a rare start. Initial minutes saw United jolted awake when Anaïs Ebayilin nearly scored, striking the post with a long-range effort.

United took the lead with Malard’s goal, but Carmona’s equalizer just before halftime set the stage for an intense second half. United emerged more assertively, effectively nullifying PSG’s counter-attacks. Rolfö’s goal, a header from Anna Sandberg’s precise cross, reinforced their dominance, concluding a series of 15 passes from Earps’ clearance to the final touch.

Middleton-Patel and Earps both made crucial saves, with the former maintaining the lead and the latter thwarting attempts from Malard. Jess Park shone on the pitch, consistently challenging PSG’s defense with her dynamic play.

While Earps played the role of the pantomime villain, United showcased new heroines like Ella Toone, who celebrated her 200th appearance with a framed shirt presentation, and Maya Le Tissier, alongside a promising performance from Park.

As the match concluded, Earps received applause from the crowd, with one fan even holding a banner expressing how much she was missed. The evening highlighted the poignant contrast between her past with United and her current ambitions with PSG, igniting a reflection on whether pursuing Champions League glory might have been more achievable had she remained with her former club.