Marc Skinner and Mary Earps in war of words ahead of controversial keeper’s return to United

Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner has issued a response to Mary Earps’ assertion that she left the club because there was a lack of urgency from the coaching staff and management to give her a new deal. Earps set to return to United Earps’ Paris Saint-Germain are set to take on United at Old Trafford on Wednesday in a highly anticipated Champions League clash. United are in good form in the competition, with the club yet to taste defeat. United won both of their opening two games in the league phase. They beat Valerenga and Atletico Madrid. In contrast, PSG lost both their fixtures against Wolfsburg and Real Madrid. It’s the first time that Earps will face United since her unceremonious exit in the summer of 2024. She departed United as a free agent to join PSG. The Reds offered her multiple contracts but she turned them all down in favour of sealing a switch to the French capital. Earps will also be in action in England just over a week since the release of her controversial autobiography, in which she candidly detailed her rocky relationships with England boss Sarina Wiegman and former international teammate Hannah Hampton. In the book, Earps also claimed that her decision to part ways with United was motivated by the slow speed in which Skinner and the hierarchy moved to extend her terms. Ahead of the match, Skinner fired back, noting that the club have their own version of what happened. Skinner responds to Earps Skinner said [as quoted by Daily Mail], “Me and Mary have always had a good relationship so I’ll say nothing but good things.” “I’ve not read the book. I’m hearing snippets, of course I am. I’m always one 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.” “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 the Earps’ contract claim, Skinner remarked, “She might speak about the urgency, but the club will have their own view on that. I wasn’t in those conversations. She didn’t sign a contract and we move on.” Meanwhile, Earps said that she expects to be booed by United fans at Old Trafford. The 32-year-old remarked, “I’m probably expecting a little booing.” “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.” United vs. PSG kicks off later today at 8pm GMT. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!