Mary Earps is no stranger to the Women's Super League and hopes to mark her return with a match against her former club. 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 ( ) 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 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. 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.
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