Mary Earps says Manchester United 'transition' doesn't 'align' with career timing as she confirms Old Trafford exit
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Published 29/06/2024 at 12:55 GMT
Manchester United and England goalkeeper Mary Earps is confirmed to be leaving the Women's Super League club upon the expiration of her contract. The 31-year-old joined United in 2019 and has since racked up 125 appearances and holds the WSL clean sheet record with 56. In 2024 she lifted the Women's FA Cup, beating Tottenham 4-0 and was part of the England side that won the Euros in 2022.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Mary Earps of Manchester United Women reacts during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Manchester United and Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on May 18, 2024 in Manchester, England.(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
Manchester United have confirmed that goalkeeper Mary Earps will leave the Women's Super League club after the conclusion of her contract.
Earps said that the club's "period of transition" does not align with where she is at in her career.
Her exit follows the confirmation of club captain Katie Zelem leaving the club, marking a second significant departure in as many days.
The 31-year-old Lionesses goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Paris St Germain.
Since joining United in 2019 Earps has made 125 appearances and holds the clean sheet record for the WSL with 56.
Her clean sheet tally of 14 in the 2022-23 WSL season is a league record and earned her fifth place in the Ballon d'Or voting - the highest for a goalkeeper.
Earps announced her departure on Instagram, writing: "After 5 years of service to your great club, I have decided that it’s time for a new challenge. It’s a decision I’ve gone backwards and forwards on for some time, and is not one I’ve made lightly.
"The club is about to undergo a period of transition, and unfortunately I don’t feel it aligns with the timing of 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.
"Although this United chapter has sadly come to a close, I take with me a heart full of incredible memories. Thank you for welcoming me as one of your own and letting me be a part of your club. I wish you all the very best for the future and I hope I can continue to make you proud in my next chapter."
She was part of the England side that won the UEFA Women's Championship in 2022, beating Germany in the final, and defeating Brazil in the Finalissima.
She also reached the World Cup final with England last year.
Her efforts saw her win BBC Sports Personality of the Year and the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year, both in 2023.
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A statement from the club said: "Everyone at the Manchester United would like to thank Mary for her fine service and wish her the best of luck in the next stage of her career."
With Zelem confirmed to be leaving as well as Earps, Lucia Garcia will also leave the club this season.
The exodus leaves head coach Marc Skinner with work to do over the summer to reshape the squad.
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