Keeper Earps leaves Man Utd before expected PSG move

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.