Keeper Earps leaves Man Utd before expected PSG move

Manchester United have confirmed the exit of goalkeeper Mary Earps as she prepares for a move to French club Paris St-Germain.

She leaves on a free transfer following the expiry of her contract after five years at the club.

The 31-year-old is set to join PSG on a two-year deal in search of regular silverware despite a contract extension offer from United which matched her expectations.

The England keeper helped United win their first Women's FA Cup last season and has made more than 100 appearances for them.

She is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world - winning the Fifa Best goalkeeper award in January and BBC's Sports Personality of the Year in 2023.

Earps started every match as England won Euro 2022 and reached the 2023 Women's World Cup final.

She joins a number of high-profile players leaving United on free transfers in recent years, following striker Alessia Russo's move to Arsenal and Ona Batlle's departure to Barcelona.

This week, United confirmed captain Katie Zelem left the club after not being offered a new contract, while Spain forward Lucia Garcia joined Mexican club Monterrey.

Meanwhile, United are set to sign former Arsenal defender Dominique Janssen and remain hopeful of bringing in Brighton forward Elisabeth Terland - both on free transfers.

Speculation regarding Earps' future has gone on for more than a year and she will be relieved to have the matter settled having previously said some reports had been an "injustice".

Arsenal offered United a world record fee for a goalkeeper last season in an attempt to persuade Earps to move to London, but she will be guaranteed Champions League football at Paris St-Germain.

United's contract extension offer matched her expectations and was more attractive than PSG's deal - so Earps' decision was based on football reasons.

However, it is hard to ignore the current situation at United, with criticism growing following a decision to move the women's team from their Carrington training site to make space for the men's team.

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe agreed to buy a 25% stake in Manchester United this year and his Ineos Group have taken control of football operations.

Earlier this month, he said Ineos' priorities lay in rebuilding the men's team and that has unsettled a number of people involved with the women's side at the club.

Losing someone of Earps' stature and personality is the latest blow for the club as United dropped down the Women's Super League (WSL) table last season from second to fourth.

They are already active in the transfer window, with Terland and Janssen poised to join, but United find themselves having to replace quality players yet again.