Mary Earps transfer: England goalkeeper in talks with Manchester United over contract extension | Football news

Mary Earps says contract talks are ongoing with Manchester United after she felt she was a “punching bag” this season.

The England goalkeeper has spent the last five years with United, but her current deal will expire this summer.

United rejected a world record bid for a goalkeeper in women’s football when Arsenal swooped in for Earps last year, and PSG were also interested in signing the 31-year-old in the January window.

Earps helped United win the FA Women’s 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 conversations are still ongoing,” Earps said Sky Sports News. “I was clear that I didn’t want to make an emotional decision.

“The start of the season was very difficult, I felt very angry about the things that were said about me and the things that came out that were not true.

“I tried to be professional, keep my head down, work hard, get on with my job and that was hard. I was a punching bag at times.

“I tried to take responsibility for the team and the performance and where we fell short this season. That’s what you should do as a leader and as a more experienced player you have to pick yourself up in those moments.

“I know I gave my heart and soul for the whole 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 will be able to make a decision. It is up to the club.”

Skinner: I want the Earps to stay

United will want to avoid a similar situation to last year, where star players Alessia Russo and Ona Batlle left on free transfers after lengthy contract negotiations with the club.

Man Utd manager Marc Skinner reiterated his desire for Earps to stay at the club after the 6-0 defeat against 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. Sky Sports.

“I would like her to stay, but there are moments outside the club that the representatives have to do. It’s important not to put the player in it. It’s not about Mary at the moment, it’s about the representatives meeting.

“I really enjoy working with Mary and I hope I can continue to do so.”

Earps won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in December for her string of impressive performances as the Lionesses reached the Women’s World Cup final, the goalkeeper saving a penalty from Jenni Hermoso in a 1-0 defeat to Spain.

Earps’ popularity was summed up when Nike initially refused to sell his replica England goalkeeper shirt, only for it to sell out within five minutes after the sports manufacturers made a U-turn.

Christiansen: Earps can play at a higher level

Sky Sports’ Izzy Christiansen said:

“It was a consistent performance off the back of two great major tournaments with England where he really grew his career.

“For Manchester United, if there’s one player in their starting XI who goes on and plays at a higher level, it’s Mary Earps.”

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