A star-crossed return: Mary Earps' journey back to Manchester United.
In a highly anticipated Women's Champions League match, Manchester United will face off against Paris St-Germain at Old Trafford on Wednesday, November 12th. The game, which will be broadcast on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, promises to be an emotional reunion for one particular player: Mary Earps.
Earps, a 32-year-old goalkeeper, is returning to her former club after 501 days. She spent five years at United, playing 125 times and becoming a fan favorite. But here's where it gets interesting - she'll be playing for the opposition, PSG, in this match.
"I felt it in my bones when they qualified. Maybe I willed it to happen," Earps revealed to BBC Sport.
The build-up to this game has been overshadowed by Earps' recently released autobiography, which has sparked controversy and dominated headlines. In it, she shares her thoughts on former England teammate Hannah Hampton and manager Sarina Wiegman.
United manager Marc Skinner, in his pre-match conference, praised Earps' leadership and welcomed her back, but made it clear that during the game, it's all about United's victory.
"Mary was always vocal and opinionated, and I respected that," Skinner said. "But now, she's the opponent, and we're focused on winning."
With United aiming for their third consecutive win in the competition, the question remains: how will Earps be received at Old Trafford, and what impact has she had in Paris?
Earps' time at United was remarkable. She arrived in 2019 from Wolfsburg and immediately became the club's undisputed number one, playing every league game for four seasons. Her highlight was winning the Women's FA Cup in 2024, the club's first major trophy.
When her contract expired, United offered a new deal, but Earps, after careful consideration, decided to move on. She felt the club was entering a transitional period that didn't align with her career goals.
"I think the fans will welcome her back warmly," said ex-England midfielder Fara Williams. "She took United to new heights, finishing second in the league and reaching FA Cup finals. She's a legend at the club."
However, Earps herself is more cautious.
"I'm bracing for some boos," she admitted. "I hope it's not too bad, but I understand the passion of United fans."
Skinner, while unable to control the crowd's reaction, expressed his excitement about Earps' return and hopes her book doesn't taint her image.
"Deep down, I know Mary's a good person," he added. "Writing a book often means sharing controversial opinions to create buzz. I'm sure she's facing criticism, but she understands the consequences of her actions."
Indeed, Earps' move to PSG has been a breath of fresh air, allowing her to escape the intense English football scene. She quickly established herself as the club's first-choice keeper, starting 22 of 24 league matches last season.
But PSG's season was disappointing, finishing 10 points behind Lyon and losing in the playoff final. They also suffered an early exit in the Champions League qualifying rounds.
Meanwhile, Earps' England career was coming to an end. Despite her regular club appearances, Wiegman favored Chelsea's Hampton. When Hampton was chosen as the starting keeper for Euro 2025, Earps called the decision "unjust" and retired from international football shortly before the tournament.
This season, PSG are second in the league, three points behind Lyon, and travel to Manchester seeking their first Champions League win after losses to Wolfsburg and Real Madrid.
Earps has started every game in both competitions, conceding 15 goals in nine matches, including six in the 6-1 loss to Lyon.
PSG head coach Paulo Cesar is confident in Earps' ability to handle the pressure.
"She's ready for this game," he said. "The book controversy hasn't affected her, at least not that I can see."
PSG defender Olga Carmona echoed Cesar's sentiments, praising Earps' winning mentality and her impact on the team.
"Playing with Mary is a privilege. She brings a sense of security to the defense, and her communication is excellent."
As the match approaches, all eyes will be on Earps. Will she be welcomed back as a hero, or will the controversy surrounding her book overshadow her return? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on this story? Do you think Earps will receive a warm welcome, or will the controversy divide opinions? Share your predictions in the comments below!
