The relentless Manchester rain provided a dramatic backdrop for Mary Earps' emotional return to Old Trafford, marking her first appearance on English soil in nearly a year. The occasion carried historic significance as Manchester United Women hosted their first-ever Champions League match at the famous stadium.
A Goalkeeper's Homecoming
This meeting with her former club represented Earps' first outing in her home country since starting for the Lionesses against the USA at Wembley last November. The match came amid ongoing discussion about her recent autobiography, All In: Football, Life and Learning to be Unapologetically Me, which details her high-profile departure from Manchester United last summer.
The relationship between Earps and the Old Trafford faithful had noticeably deteriorated during the final months of her contract as she sought a move away from the club. Her decision to join Paris Saint-Germain appeared motivated by the pursuit of Champions League football, though the irony wasn't lost on spectators that United now find themselves in a stronger position in the competition.
United's European Ambitions
While clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City have invested heavily in world-class talent, United have faced challenges retaining their star players, with several departing on free transfers only to win silverware elsewhere. Despite these limitations, the team has built a promising young squad that secured their first Champions League qualification, demonstrating their ability to punch above their weight.
However, football remains a numbers game, and United's lack of squad depth became apparent as manager Marc Skinner made several changes for this European fixture. Their weekend defeat against Aston Villa - their first of the season - came after rotation with this match in mind. The Reds started with untested second goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel and three full-backs due to a shortage of centre-backs.
Mixed Emotions for Fans
United boss Marc Skinner had promised supporters would 'pay tribute' to Earps' five seasons of outstanding service, during which she became one of the club's greatest ever players and helped them secure their first major trophy. The fans delivered an emotionally complex reception that reflected their conflicted feelings.
Every time Earps touched the ball in the early stages, resounding boos would erupt, only to be quickly drowned out by standing ovations. A wayward pass drew jeers, yet moments later the crowd applauded her magnificent goal-stopping save in the 60th minute. The occasional shouted 'allez' from the English goalkeeper served as the only real indication that the yellow-shirted custodian now represented the opposition.
Earps couldn't be faulted for either goal in the match. Melvine Malard slotted past her with a powerful first-half shot before Fridolina Rolfo's pinpoint header restored the lead after Olga Carmona's wonder strike had brought the scores level just before half-time.
Skinner has successfully orchestrated an impressive Champions League campaign from his young squad, with this victory propelling United to third in the league phase. Meanwhile, PSG have yet to register a single point in the competition. The atmosphere at full-time saw respect for their former shotstopper blending with newfound optimism for the future, leaving supporters content with how events ultimately unfolded.
