Earps eyes Man Utd reunion as WSL comeback nears
· Yahoo Sports
Mary Earps is no stranger to the Women's Super League and hopes to mark her return with a match against her former club.
Visit casino-promo.biz for more information.
The new London City Lionesses goalkeeper felt it was "meant to be" that her potential debut could come against Manchester United.
During the peak of her career, she spent five seasons at United, becoming England number one and twice being named Fifa's goalkeeper of the year.
After a spell at Paris St-Germain, Earps wants to return to England on a high in Friday's season opener (19:00 BST) and will no doubt find herself in the limelight again.
"I got a nice reception at Old Trafford [in the Women's Champions League last season] and it meant a great deal to me at that time," Earps told BBC Sport.
"United has changed a lot since I left, but I spent five wonderful years there and I made amazing memories.
"I won an FA Cup and met a lot of incredible people. I know the fans don't change - they are still as hardcore as ever."
The 33-year-old made more than 100 appearances for United and helped them win their first major trophy in 2024.
She also played a crucial role in England's victory at Euro 2022 and their route to the 2023 World Cup final while she was at United.
That earned her many individual accolades, including BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023 and she became one of the country's most recognised and influential players.
However last November, her book caused controversy and dominated headlines in the media for several weeks.
Even so, Earps received a warm applause when she faced United with PSG last season and the mural painted of her outside Old Trafford remains.
As she prepares to face her former club again, what does Earps want to achieve at London City and why was it time to return home?
- Media Day Diaries: Inside London City Lionesses
- How to follow women's football with BBC Sport this season
Why did Earps return to WSL?
Earps spent two years at PSG and made 22 appearances in the Premiere Ligue last season.
She left United in search of Champions League football and silverware, but was also able to take a break from the limelight in England.
That attention rose again last year following the release of her book, but Earps is thankful for the experiences she gained in Paris.
"I'm grateful for all the amazing love and support that I've had over the years, but it was nice to be away," said Earps.
"PSG is a great club. Getting to experience the Parc des Princes, the French food, the Parisian way of life and the language - I think it was good for me.
"I'm an intense person, especially when I'm on the pitch, so it was good for me to be able to take a period of reflection away from the craziness in England.
"But that being said, I'm incredibly grateful for this platform that I've been given so it's not a complaint. I went away to push myself out of my comfort zone."
However, upon the expiry of her contract, Earps craved a return to England where she could experience WSL atmospheres once again.
"Of course, there's always things that you miss. I'm very, very happy to be home," she added.
"I missed the English football culture - the way you feel when you walk into a stadium, the electricity of the crowd, the feeling around women's football in this country.
"I knew I was probably going to miss that going away which is why I'm so excited to be back. Distance makes the heart grow fonder."
What does Earps want to achieve?
Mary Earps joined Manchester United in summer 2019 after they had been promoted to the Women's Super League [Getty Images]Earps is one of the big-name players to join London City this summer, joining two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain defender Mapi Leon at the club.
She started both of London City's past two pre-season matches but knows she faces a battle to take the number-one shirt given fellow goalkeeper Elene Lete impressed last term.
"The reality of it is that I've been here a few weeks and I'm trying to earn my place in the team every single day," said Earps.
"Elene did a great job last year and it won't be easy between us to see who starts. I think that is another great thing about being part of a fantastic squad.
"I just want to contribute to the team's success and hopefully that is playing a lot of games and being a part of their history in some small way."
Earps announced her international retirement in 2025 but does not intend to call quits on her club career any time soon.
She signed a two-year deal with London City and believes she can still improve as the club plots a course up the WSL table.
"I want to continue to play at the highest level, to win at the highest level for as long as possible and to be a part of something special," said Earps.
"I really do believe that London City will go on to do great things for a long time. They want to be the best in class and world-leading.
"That is something that I'm always pushing to be - to be the best version of myself as a player and a person every day.
"It's a great place to be for me to max out on whatever potential I have left. The moment that I don't think I can learn any more, I won't continue to play.
"I still feel like I've got a lot to give and hopefully there's some fantastic days around the corner. I'm really looking forward to this chapter."