Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps has admitted that her future with Manchester United Women remains uncertain as the two parties are still yet to reach an agreement over a new contract.
Having won Euro 2022 and the Finalissima with England, not to mention the club’s first Women’s FA Cup earlier this month, Earps has become one of the most in-demand female players on the planet.
United rejected a bid for 2023’s Sports Personality of the Year last year following her further heroics in the Women’s World Cup but she is still yet to commit herself to a new deal, admitting that she’s waiting for clearer answers from them “on what they’re trying to achieve”.
Speaking to Sky Sports this week, the 31-year-old said, in short: “It’s kind of up to the club”.
"I don't want to make an emotional decision" 💬
— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) May 20, 2024
Mary Earps on her future at Manchester United 👀👇 pic.twitter.com/0qXFWE1zcZ
Earps went on to explain that “conversations are still ongoing” and that “it’s a tough situation” but that she doesn’t want to make any rash or emotional decisions until she has a clearer picture of United’s long-term vision.
“The beginning of the season was really tough”, said the Nottingham-born shot-stopper. “I felt really upset about things that were being said about me that weren’t true but I’ve tried to be professional, keep my head down and just work hard.
“I’ve tried to shoulder that responsibility of the team, the performance and where we fell short this season – I think that’s what you should do as a leader and a more experienced player. You have to stand up in those moments and I know I’ve given my heart and soul”.
While it’s clear there’s still lots of passion from the United and England number one, she insists that she can only make a final decision once she gets the answers she’s after.
As for the Red Devils themselves, despite winning their first major trophy since reforming, they ended the Women’s Super League on a sour note, handing the title to Chelsea following a 6-0 drubbing – in front of the Old Trafford crowd no less.
Moreover, there seems to be a growing rift in the fan base as many supporters were frustrated to see manager Marc Skinner given a new contract despite calls for him to be sacked following a lacklustre domestic season.
Were Earps to ultimately depart as well, the mood around the club might dip even further.
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Featured Images — Man United Women/Mary Earps/England (via Instagram)