Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps seemingly directed a parting shot at the club under minority owner Jim Ratcliffe on Saturday as she announced her departure from the Women’s Super League side.
The England international, who is reportedly close to signing with Paris Saint-Germain, expressed that she could not fulfill her career ambitions at a club undergoing significant changes. Since Ratcliffe’s takeover of football operations at Old Trafford, the focus has predominantly been on the men’s team, leading Earps to seek new opportunities.
“Dear United family, after five years of service to your great club, I have decided that it’s time for a new challenge,” Earps wrote in an Instagram post. “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,” the 31-year-old added.
A club statement released earlier on Saturday read: “Everyone at Manchester United would like to thank Mary for her fine service and wish her the best of luck in the next stage of her career.”
Earps’ exit follows the departure of United club captain Katie Zelem and striker Lucia Garcia. Euro 2022 winner Earps joined United in 2019 and made 125 appearances for the club.
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During the 2022/23 WSL season, she set a new league record by keeping 14 clean sheets and later finished fifth in the voting for the women’s Ballon d’Or — the highest placement ever achieved by a goalkeeper.
Last season, Earps helped United secure their first major trophy in the women’s game by keeping a clean sheet in a 4-0 victory over Tottenham in the Women’s FA Cup Final.
However, after finishing fifth in the WSL, 20 points behind champions Chelsea, United acknowledged they are not yet in a position to challenge for either the league title or the Champions League.
The women’s team, founded in 2018, moved into a new £10 million ($13 million, 12 million euros) training facility in 2023. However, United’s planned overhaul of their Carrington training base will see the women’s team relocated, contributing to Earps’ decision to leave.
As Earps prepares for her next chapter, the club and its fans reflect on her significant contributions and achievements over the past five years.
