Imagine stepping back into the stadium where you crafted unforgettable victories, only to be greeted by a chorus of jeers from supporters who believe you turned your back on them. That's the intense scenario facing goalkeeper Mary Earps as she prepares to reunite with her old club Manchester United, now starring for Paris Saint-Germain in the Women's Champions League this week.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Earps, the English netminder, is bracing herself for a potentially frosty welcome at Old Trafford. She departed Manchester United on a free transfer in 2024 after declining a fresh deal, choosing PSG as her new home. This move came right after United's memorable FA Cup win in 2024, but also amid their most challenging season in the Women's Super League (WSL)—that's England's top-tier women's football league, where teams battle for dominance in a highly competitive format. Earps felt that the club's transitional phase didn't match her personal career goals at that point. While Arsenal (a fierce London rival) showed interest, she leaned toward PSG's allure in Europe.
And this is the part most people miss—with both United and PSG earning spots in the Champions League's league phase this season, Earps saw this showdown as almost inevitable. In a chat with BBC Sport ahead of Wednesday's match, she called it 'written in the stars,' sharing how she sensed it coming as soon as United qualified. 'I knew it from the moment [United] qualified. Sometimes you just feel it. Maybe I manifested it, I don't know,' she reflected. 'Going back to Old Trafford, which is a special place, with so many amazing memories. I'm looking forward to the game.'
Earps isn't naive about the potential backlash. She witnessed firsthand how tough it was for Alessia Russo, who left United for Arsenal on a free transfer in 2023. Russo faced intense hostility from United fans at Leigh Sports Village during her first match against her ex-club early in the 2023-24 season. Leigh Sports Village, a smaller, more intimate ground where every cheer or jeer echoes loudly, heightened the drama. Earps acknowledges she might hear some boos herself. 'I'm probably expecting a little booing,' she admitted. 'I hope it's a little bit, but it might be a lot. A few of the fans have come out to support me at PSG, but Manchester United is their number one team. I understand that.'
Yet, is this hostility a sure thing? Let's dive into why it might not be as bad as feared.
Several elements could soften the reaction. Firstly, the game is at the expansive Old Trafford, United's massive home stadium, unlike the cozy Leigh Sports Village (now called Progress With Unity Stadium, after a recent rebranding by the local council to promote unity and community progress). In a larger venue, individual voices blend into the crowd, potentially diluting any negativity. Plus, Champions League matches often draw more casual spectators—folks who show up for the spectacle rather than the rivalry—who tend to be less passionate or vocal.
Then there's the context of her exit. Earps' departure felt less like a direct betrayal compared to Russo's switch to Arsenal, a bitter domestic rival. For beginners in football, think of it like leaving a job for a company in a different industry versus jumping to your employer's biggest competitor. United seemed prepared, having signed American keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce a year earlier. Phallon has thrived in the role, delivering standout performances and even earning a nomination for the 2025 Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper award. So, unlike Russo's move, which left United scrambling for a striker, Earps' position was already secured.
But wait, there's more fuel for debate—Earps' autobiography stirred controversy with her remarks about fellow goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. While this mainly riles Chelsea fans and international observers (since both are England internationals), it could subtly influence United supporters' views too. For those unfamiliar, autobiographies in sports often reveal behind-the-scenes tensions, and Earps' book dives into personal truths that might clash with others' perceptions. This has sparked discussions about loyalty and the right to speak one's mind post-career.
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United manager Marc Skinner, who once coached Earps briefly at Leicester City during her teenage years, took a diplomatic stance. He vowed to speak only positively about her. 'Me and Mary have always had a good relationship,' he said on Tuesday. 'I've not read the book. I don't know anything about it... I'm hearing snippets, of course I am. I'm always one of those [who thinks] you have to be careful what you say but Mary believes in it. So that's her truth, she has to speak it.'
From United's side, he'll treat her as any opponent: 'From our perspective, we'll welcome her as somebody that is on the opponents' team in this game. But also always pay tribute to what she has done when she was at Manchester United. I know Mary is a good person, so I look forward to the challenge of trying to beat her and her team on this Wednesday night.'
As for the match itself, Manchester United are riding high with two Champions League wins under their belt this season—against Valerenga and Atletico Madrid—aiming for a perfect three. PSG, on the other hand, are still searching for their first point after losses to Wolfsburg and Real Madrid. This Wednesday night clash at Old Trafford promises excitement under the floodlights, with plenty on the line.
What do you think about all this? Should former players expect boos when returning, or is it time to focus on the game? Do Earps' book comments change how you see her? And is loyalty forever, or do athletes owe fans explanations? Share your opinions in the comments—let's discuss!
