Mary Earps Set for WSL Return Against Manchester United
Mary Earps has always had a sense of timing. Now, as the new season looms, football’s most recognisable goalkeeper could mark her Women’s Super League return in the most poetic way possible – against Manchester United, the club that helped turn her into a global star.
The London City Lionesses signing admits it feels scripted.
Her potential debut on Friday night (19:00 BST) would come against the side where she spent five defining years, became England’s number one and twice collected Fifa’s goalkeeper of the year award. United was the launchpad. London City is the next act.
“I got a nice reception at Old Trafford [in the Women’s Champions League last season] and it meant a great deal to me at that time,” Earps told BBC Sport. “United has changed a lot since I left, but I spent five wonderful years there and I made amazing memories.
“I won an FA Cup and met a lot of incredible people. I know the fans don't change – they are still as hardcore as ever.”
More than 100 appearances. A first major trophy for United in 2024. Euro 2022 glory with England. A run to the 2023 World Cup final. During that period, Earps became not just a goalkeeper, but a symbol of the women’s game in England.
The accolades followed. BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023. A mural on the wall outside Old Trafford. A status that stretched beyond football.
So did the scrutiny. Her book, released last November, sparked controversy and dominated headlines for weeks. Yet when she returned with Paris St-Germain in the Champions League, the United crowd applauded. The mural stayed up. The bond held.
From Parisian pause to WSL noise
Earps had left Manchester in search of Champions League nights and silverware, and she found them in Paris. Two seasons at PSG, 22 league appearances last term, and something else she needed: a little distance from the relentless glare back home.
“I'm grateful for all the amazing love and support that I've had over the years, but it was nice to be away,” she said.
“PSG is a great club. Getting to experience the Parc des Princes, the French food, the Parisian way of life and the language – I think it was good for me.
“I'm an intense person, especially when I'm on the pitch, so it was good for me to be able to take a period of reflection away from the craziness in England.
“But that being said, I'm incredibly grateful for this platform that I've been given so it's not a complaint. I went away to push myself out of my comfort zone.”
The break has done its job. When her contract expired, the pull of home, of the WSL, of packed English stadiums, became impossible to ignore.
“Of course, there's always things that you miss. I'm very, very happy to be home,” she added.
“I missed the English football culture – the way you feel when you walk into a stadium, the electricity of the crowd, the feeling around women's football in this country.
“I knew I was probably going to miss that going away which is why I'm so excited to be back. Distance makes the heart grow fonder.”
Big names, bigger expectations
Earps is not walking into a quiet project. London City have gone bold. The Lionesses have added two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain defender Mapi Leon in a statement summer that has jolted the WSL landscape.
Star power, though, does not guarantee a starting place. Earps has begun the club’s last two pre-season games, but she knows she has a fight on her hands with Elene Lete, who impressed across last season.
“The reality of it is that I've been here a few weeks and I'm trying to earn my place in the team every single day,” said Earps.
“Elene did a great job last year and it won't be easy between us to see who starts. I think that is another great thing about being part of a fantastic squad.
“I just want to contribute to the team's success and hopefully that is playing a lot of games and being a part of their history in some small way.”
This is not a farewell tour. Earps may have stepped away from international football in 2025, but she has no intention of winding down at club level. Quite the opposite.
She has signed a two-year deal and speaks like someone who still feels miles from finished.
“I want to continue to play at the highest level, to win at the highest level for as long as possible and to be a part of something special,” she said.
“I really do believe that London City will go on to do great things for a long time. They want to be the best in class and world-leading.
“That is something that I'm always pushing to be – to be the best version of myself as a player and a person every day.
“It's a great place to be for me to max out on whatever potential I have left. The moment that I don't think I can learn any more, I won't continue to play.
“I still feel like I've got a lot to give and hopefully there's some fantastic days around the corner. I'm really looking forward to this chapter.”
On Friday, under the lights, the chapter could open against the club where the story exploded. Old loyalties in the stands, new ambitions on the pitch. Earps has never shied away from a big stage. Now she wants to own this one all over again.
