Manchester United will embark on their inaugural Champions League campaign this season.
Marc Skinner and his team took the fight for the top spot to the final day of the 2022/23 season, ending the year in second place in the English top-flight.
The Reds have had a huge overhaul this summer, with Skinner looking to fine-tune his attacking options. But while attacking reinforcements are all well and good, walking into the Champions League realm with the world-class Mary Earps between the sticks is arguably the biggest statement of them all.
United have been desperate to keep their grasp tight on their shot-stopper . The departures of top players like Ona Batlle and Alessia Russo were tough to take while 10 others have also bid farewell to the club this summer alone, but Earps is a prized possession.
She has a European Championship medal sat at home from 2022 as well as the Golden Glove award. She has a runners-up medal from the 2023 World Cup and another Golden Glove award alongside it. Not to mention the domestic Golden Glove from the previous Women’s Super League campaign, a FIFA Best award and a Ballon d’Or shout - she is unstoppable.
All that is left to tick is that Champions League box.
Arsenal won the tournament back in 2007 but have fallen short ever since. Still, they are a club that knows what it takes to be at the top, having reached the semi-final stage last year - whereas United are still little seedlings pushing through the soil.
However, the debate could be about to be flipped up on its head after Arsenal were booted out of the Champions League qualifying stages on Saturday. They suffered a shock 4-2 loss on penalties to Paris FC after drawing 3-3 following extra time.
Does their elimination reduce the chances of Earps wanting to jump ship? Possibly. Sources have claimed Earps isn’t entirely happy at Leigh Sports Village, but the ship she possibly looked towards has just taken a massive hit.
Goalkeeper Mary Earps of England looks dejected during the FIFA Women’s World Cup final (Image: Andrew Wiseman)
So, if you were Mary Earps, what would you do? Opt to stay another season as the first-choice at a club you’re not entirely happy at? You would definitely get a call-up for the Olympic squad. Then again, only signing on a year-long extension may come with its caveats. Would you be benched more often? That could allow Sophie Baggaley valuable WSL minutes in preparation for your departure. You risk losing out on the Arsenal deal in 12 months’ time because, let’s face it, you’re only as good as your last performance and things change so quickly in football.
Or do you make the move down south for FA Cup and WSL title contention? Going off last year’s stats, United are actually the favourites of the two for domestic success.
But sometimes a change is just what players need. A fresh start and a new challenge as you look to bed into the squad. Though you also run the risk of impacting your international hopes if minutes are restricted.
For me, this puts United back in the driving seat. Does Earps feel valued? Is it about money? Is it about competition for places? Or is it all about ticking that Champions League box?
If the latter is her motive, she needs to aim for the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Lyon, Real Madrid or Wolfsburg next year, but stay put for the season. Because other than United and Arsenal, Chelsea are the only other domestic option, but the Blues are inundated with ‘keepers now.
Earps’ best bet would be to prove her worth, again, with United in this year’s Champions League. Get some more exposure in a bid to put herself in the shop window.
Whatever Earps decides to do, Arsenal’s early exit from the Champions League is a disaster for the north London club and it can only help United’s chances of keeping hold of the shot-stopper.
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