Mary Earps Reveals Why She Left Manchester United Women

Manchester United Women and England star Mary Earps is set to swap England for Paris Saint-Germain in a major blow to the WSL side pointing to a “period of transition” that doesn’t align with where she is at in her career.

The Lionesses’ goalkeeper is set to leave the club after five years and 125 appearances, during this period she obtained the record for the most clean sheets in the WSL with 56.

Her accolades include a UEFA Women’s Championship, Women’s Finalissima, She Believes Cup, Arnold Clark Cup and the Women’s FA Cup, being part of the side that won 4-0 at Wembley to lift the club’s first major honour.

However, Manchester United Women are undergoing a difficult period. The ownership group faced criticism after reports emerged suggesting that the Women’s side would be moved into Portacabins to accommodate the Men’s team whilst Carrington was being renovated. The club have also suffered high profile departures such as Katie Zelem this summer and Alessia Russo to rivals Arsenal a year ago.

The side, that once boasted a core of Lioness stars is seemingly being sidelined as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos appear to focus on the Men’s team.

What a player. What a person. What a journey.

We'll see you soon, Mearps 🫶#MUWomen pic.twitter.com/xmSp2ng0ha

— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) June 29, 2024

What has Earps said?

Speaking on her Instagram, the goalkeeper put out the following statement.

“Dear the United family,
After 5 years of service to your great club, I have decided that it’s time for a new challenge. It’s a decision I’ve gone backwards and forwards on for some time, and is not one I’ve made lightly. The club is about to undergo a period of transition, and unfortunately I don’t feel it aligns with the timing of where I’m at in my career, therefore I think now is the right time to make a change and embark on a new challenge. There aren’t the right words, or enough words, to express my heartfelt gratitude to you all, but I hope the below comes somewhere close.

I’m proud to have played every league minute for the badge for the past 5 seasons, and even more proud for us as a team to have broken the record of the most clean sheets kept in a season in 2023. The icing on the cake was winning the FA Cup at Wembley, a trophy I’ve always dreamed of winning, with you all singing at the top of your voices. I could list so many more of my favourite memories, but these in particular I’ll cherish.

I have loved playing in front of you all, near and far but especially at Leigh Sports Village and Old Trafford. It doesn’t feel real that I won’t be playing in front of you all again next season, and I’m sad we’re saying goodbye. But from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for your incredible support over the years; the ups and the downs, I’m grateful for it all.

To my teammates, there have been some special people to grace our changing room over the past 5 years. I’m fortunate to have stood alongside you all and I’ll be rooting for you.

Although this United chapter has sadly come to a close, I take with me a heart full of incredible memories. Thank you for welcoming me as one of your own and letting me be a part of your club. I wish you all the very best for the future and I hope I can continue to make you proud in my next chapter.

GGMU.
Your number 27,
Mary x”

What is happening at Manchester United?

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has set to work attempting to transform the footballing side of Manchester United after taking a minority share in the club from the highly controversial Glazer family.

However, his focus appears to be solely on the men’s team, with the women’s team appearing to be neglected. Stars are leaving in droves, ill-advised decisions are being made on the training ground, as well as the PFA seeking to hold conversations with the club’s management over the handling of the team.

It remains to be seen if the club will change direction and divert some resources to ensuring both sides are fairly represented.