Manchester United confirm star's departure in statement as PSG circle

Manchester United have confirmed the departure of goalkeeper Mary Earps following the expiration of her contract.

Earps joined United from VfL Wolfsburg in 2019 and has since made more than a century of appearances for the club, helping the Reds secure a place in the Champions League for the first time in their history in 2022/2023 and winning the Women’s FA Cup last term. She is widely regarded as one of the women's game's biggest talents, having won the 2022 European Championship with the Lionesses and twice been named the FIFA Best Goalkeeper.

Arsenal saw a significant bid for her services rebuffed last summer and she has been linked with a host of European clubs over the past 12 months. United boss Marc Skinner said last month he was hopeful Earps would agree a new deal at Leigh Sports Village however the 31-year-old is now set to leave Leigh Sports Village and make the switch to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

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It is believed the French giants, who finished second in Division 1 Féminine last term, will make Earps the highest-paid goalkeeper in the women's game. She is one of a number of first-team stars set to leave United this summer, with captain Katie Zelem and forward Lucia Garcia also departing on free transfers.

Speaking about her future last month, Earps told Sky Sports: "Conversations are still ongoing with my contract. I've been clear I don't want to make an emotional decision.

"I've asked the club for some confirmation on what they're trying to achieve and when I have those answers then I'll be able to make a decision, so it's kind of up to the club."

A statement from United read: "Manchester United Women can confirm that goalkeeper Mary Earps will depart the football club, following the conclusion of her contract.

Mary joined United in 2019 and went on to make a total of 125 appearances in red, breaking the record for WSL clean sheets in one season and overall, respectively.

"Last season, Mary made history for United by beating Tottenham 4-0 at Wembley in the Women’s FA Cup Final to lift our first major trophy." The official X account for United's men's team also paid tribute to Earps saying, "Best wishes, Mary — you’ll be missed on and off the pitch [red heart emoji].