After over a year of widespread speculation surrounding her future, Mary Earps has today confirmed that she will be leaving Manchester United when her contract expires at the end of the month.
The goalkeeper issued a statement on her Instagram this afternoon to announce the news directly to supporters while also detailing the reasoning behind her decision to depart after five years, insisting it was one she’d gone ‘backwards and forwards on for some time’.
Earps adds: “The club is about to undergo a period of transition, and unfortunately, I don’t feel it aligns with 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.”
Reports had suggested that the 31-year-old mulled over a contract offer from United for an extended period before ultimately opting to reject it. She is now expected to join Paris Saint-Germain in the coming days.
Last month, Earps kept a clean sheet as United made history by securing their first-ever major trophy in the FA Cup final, cruising to a victory by thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Wembley.
She is also a mainstay in the Lionesses squad – despite fierce competition from Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton and Manchester City’s Khiara Keating – and has won the Euros, Women’s Finalissima and Arnold Clark Cup with her nation. Earps’ stellar World Cup campaign last year, in which England finished as runners-up, played an integral role in her being crowned the 2023 Sports Personality of the Year.
Reds of past and present react to Earps’ exit news
Former Red and fellow shot-stopper David de Gea was among the players reacting to her statement today, along with recent departee Katie Zelem, Alessia Russo, Ella Toone and Patrice Evra.