Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Mary Earps has opened up on her upcoming return to Manchester United, insisting that the fixture was “written in the stars.”
Earps’ time at United
Earps parted ways with United in the summer of 2024 after a very successful five-year stint, in which she turned out 125 times for the side.
The former England international broke the record for WSL clean sheets in one season and overall, respectively. She helped United win their first major trophy as they beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Women’s FA Cup Final.
She was recognised with multiple individual awards, notably The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper for 2022 and 2023, the Golden Glove at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and BBC honours as Sports Personality of the Year and Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2023.
United made several attempts to tie down Earps to a new deal but she turned all of them down, opting to join PSG as a free agent.
She explained that United’s period of transition did not align with where she was in her career.
Last month’s Champions League draw paired United with PSG, setting up Earps’ first return to Leigh since her exit.
Now, the 32-year-old has revealed what she feels ahead of the fixture on November 12.
Earps speaks on United return
The goalkeeper told GOAL, “I never really got an opportunity to say goodbye, so I’m looking forward to it.”
“I think the pressure of playing for Man Utd helped prepare me for the pressure that you feel at PSG as well. They are both really big clubs and they actually have a lot of similarities.”
“I think that they’ve both got really passionate fan bases who naturally want the best for their club and take a really big interest and pride in the success of the team.”
She added, “Ultimately, I hope it’s an incredible game between two great teams at an incredible stadium on a great night in the Champions League.”
“What more can you want? Those are the games that you live for.”
Meanwhile, Marc Skinner’s side are back in action on Friday when they host table leaders Chelsea.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
