Is this Mary Earps’ parting shot at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Man United? Lionesses star posts farewell message after departure from club amid deepening crisis in women’s team
Mary Earps appeared to give a farewell speech on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s project at Manchester United as she confirmed she would be leaving the club.
The goalkeeper has said she would not be able to fulfil her current ambitions at a club in a ‘transition period’. Ratcliffe sparked anger this week after admitting plans for the women’s team were ‘not yet known’.
Earps, who won Euro 2022 with England, also posted her heartfelt thanks to the United fans on Instagram after five years at the club.
Her contract has expired and she is set to sign for Paris Saint-Germain after turning down a new contract with the Red Devils.
“Dear United family, after five years of service to your great club, I have decided it is time for a new challenge,” Earps wrote.
Mary Earps expressed her appreciation for Manchester United fans – and also appeared to criticise Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s project at the club
The goalkeeper wrote that the club’s ‘transition period’ is not in line with her career goals
This is Ratcliffe’s first summer at United after completing a partial takeover in February
‘It’s a decision I’ve been thinking about for some time, and one I didn’t take lightly.
“The club is about to go through a transition period and unfortunately I feel that this does not fit with the timing of where I am in my career. That is why I think this is the right time to make a change and take a new step. New challenge.
United had been in talks about an extension for two years but were unable to reach an agreement.
Mail Sport have reported that Earps decided to leave after being unconvinced by the club’s long-term plans.
It was a nightmare year for United Women, who finished in fifth place – their worst ever WSL finish.
Devastated by the loss of Alessia Russo on a free transfer to Arsenal, then hit by the abuse of their stars on social media over the Mason Greenwood debacle, which saw coaches and behind-the-scenes figures leave.
In the past week, Ratcliffe admitted plans for the women’s team were ‘TBC’, while reports emerged that the squad will be moved from their new £10 million facility to accommodate the men while work continues in Carrington during the period 2024-2025 to be completed.
Captain Katie Zelem has left the club following the expiry of her contract, while Lucia Garcia has joined Mexican club Monterrey. Nikita Parris is considering transferring her contract to another club next week.
Earps won the FA Cup and has played in every WSL minute for United since joining the team in 2019
In short, it was a disastrous season for United Women, although they did win the FA Cup.
Earps added, “There are not enough or the right words to express my sincere gratitude to all of you, but I hope the below comes somewhere close.
“I am proud to have played every competitive minute in front of the badge over the last five seasons, and even prouder that as a team we have broken the record for most clean sheets in a single season in 2023.
‘The icing on the cake was winning the FA Cup at Wembley, a trophy I’ve always dreamed of winning, with you all singing your heart out.
‘I could name many more favorite memories, but this one I will cherish in particular.’
More to follow.
