Mary Earps experienced a rollercoaster of emotions during her highly anticipated return to Old Trafford, facing both cheers and jeers from Manchester United supporters in her first appearance since departing the club.
Mixed Reception for Returning Hero
The England international goalkeeper, who now plays for French giants Paris Saint-Germain, received a divided response from the crowd during Wednesday's Women's Champions League fixture. While Earps was warmly applauded during the pre-match warm-ups, the atmosphere shifted once the competitive action began.
During the match itself, sections of the home support directed boos toward their former player, though these negative reactions were eventually drowned out by more positive applause from other supporters in the stadium.
Earps' Manchester United Legacy
The 32-year-old shot-stopper established herself as a fan favourite during her five-year spell with the Red Devils, making 102 appearances for the women's team between 2019 and her departure in 2024. Her consistent performances between the posts made her one of the most recognisable figures in the women's game.
Reflecting on her decision to leave Manchester for Paris, Earps had previously explained that she was ready to 'start a new chapter' in her career while maintaining 'fond memories' of her time in the red shirt.
Anticipated Reaction
The divided reception came as no surprise to Earps herself, who had openly acknowledged before the match that she expected 'a little bit of booing' from some sections of the Old Trafford crowd. The goalkeeper's pragmatic approach to her homecoming demonstrated her understanding of modern football fan culture.
Despite the mixed response during the game, the occasion marked another significant moment in women's football, with a former club hero returning to face her old teammates in one of Europe's most prestigious competitions.
The match itself provided a compelling narrative of loyalty, legacy and the evolving relationships between players and supporters in the professional women's game.
