Mary Earps says contract talks are underway with Manchester United after feeling like she has been a “punching bag” this season.
The England goalkeeper has spent the last five years with United, but her current contract is set to expire this summer.
United turned down a record bid for a goalkeeper in women’s football when Arsenal replaced Earps last year and PSG were also interested in signing the 31-year-old during the January window.
Earps helped United win the Women’s FA Cup this season, although the club had a disappointing campaign in the Women’s Super League, finishing fifth, and the goalkeeper now wants reassurance about the club’s ambitions before deciding on her future.
“The honest reality is that the conversations are still ongoing,” Earps said. Sky Sports News. “I made it clear that I didn’t want to make an emotional decision.
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Mary Earps says winning the FA Cup is worth it.
“The start of the season was really difficult, I felt really upset about the things that were being said about me and the things that weren’t true.
“I tried to be professional, keep my head down, work hard, continue my job and it was difficult. I was a punching bag at times.
“I tried to take responsibility for the team and the performance and where we failed this season. That’s what you should do as a leader and as a more experienced player you have to get up in these moments.
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Highlights from the Women’s Super League match between Manchester United and Chelsea.
“I know I gave my heart and soul all season. It’s a tough situation.
“I have asked the club for confirmation on what they are trying to achieve and when I have those answers I can make a decision. It’s up to the club to decide.”
Skinner: I want Earps to stay
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Marc Skinner discusses his desire to keep Mary Earps at Manchester United despite being out of contract and Izzy Christiansen explains why she is such an important asset to the team.
United are keen to avoid a situation similar to last year, which saw star players Alessia Russo and Ona Batlle leave on free transfers after lengthy contract negotiations with the club.
Man Utd manager Marc Skinner has reiterated his desire for Earps to remain at the club following their 6-0 defeat to Chelsea on the final day of the WSL season.
“I would love to work with Mary. The conversations are still ongoing. All I can do is work on my relationship with Mary and what we do on the field,” Skinner said. Aerial sports.
“I would love for her to stay, but there are times outside the club that representatives need to realize. It’s important we don’t put the player in there. It’s not about Mary at the moment , but from the meeting of representatives.
“I really enjoy working with Mary and hope to continue doing so.”
Earps won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in December for her series of impressive performances as the Lionesses reached the Women’s World Cup final, with the goalkeeper saving a Jenni Hermoso penalty in the defeat 1-0 against Spain.
Earps’ popularity was summed up when Nike initially refused to sell its replica England goalkeeper jersey, only for it to sell out five minutes after the sports manufacturers reversed course. round.
Christiansen: Earps can play at a higher level
Aerial sports Izzy Christiansen said:
“She has always been a strong performer after two fantastic major tournaments with England where she really took her career up a notch.
“For Manchester United, if there is one player in their XI who continues and plays at a higher level, it’s Mary Earps.”
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