Marc Skinner defends Mary Earps over her new autobiography ahead of Manchester United return | OneFootball

Mary Earps (pictured in 2023 as a Manchester United player) returns to Old Trafford with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night (PEDRO PORRU / SPP)

Marc Skinner has defended Mary Earps over her new autobiography, as the former England No.1 prepares for a return to Manchester United with Paris Saint-Germain in the Women’s Champions League.

Earps spent five years at Manchester United before leaving for the French giants in the summer of 2024.

The 32-year-old has recently been in the news for her comments about England successor Hannah Hampton and head coach Sarina Wiegman in her new autobiography “All In”.

Ahead of Wednesday’s clash at Old Trafford, Skinner was asked about his former goalkeeper.

What did Manchester United boss Marc Skinner say about Mary Earps?

Manchester United head coach Skinner described Earps as a “fantastic ambassador” during her time with the Women’s Super League club.

In his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, he added: “You have to pay credit to the quality she had and what she gave to us at that moment. She was part of the FA Cup-winning team. Mary and me have always had a good relationship, I’ll say nothing but good things.

“The thing is, we move forwards. Phallon [Tullis-Joyce] is an incredible goalkeeper. We were lucky enough to have her to replace another fantastic goalkeeper.”

Skinner was also asked about Earps’ autobiography following the media furore surrounding her comments over Hampton and Wiegman.

He said: “I’ve not read the book, I’m aware of it and seeing snippets of course I am. Mary believes in it that’s her truth and she has to speak it.

“From our perspective, we’ll welcome her as someone who is on the opponents’ team in this game, but also always pay tribute to what she did at Manchester United. I know Mary’s a good person, I look forward to the challenge of trying to beat her and her team.”

What did Mary Earps say in her autobiography?

Earps in her autobiography, pointed out early “bad behaviour” displayed by former England teammate Hampton.

She wrote: “Her behaviour behind the scenes at the Euros had frequently risked derailing training sessions and team resources.”

Earps added: “I felt protective of the good energy we now had in goalkeeper training and the morale of the wider team.”

The former United goalkeeper also questioned Wiegman’s decision to bring Hampton back into the England fold.

Many former England players have spoken on the subject, most recently Eni Aluko, who said Earps was “entitled to that perspective”.

Millie Bright received criticism for not defending her teammate, Hampton.

However, Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has since come to Bright’s defence.

Manchester United team news

Skinner, during his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s clash with PSG, revealed that three players would be absent.

It remains to be seen who partners Maya Le Tissier at left back, with Dominique Janssen suspended and Millie Turner out with an injury.

Winger Celin Bizet Donnum will also miss the clash against her former side with an injury.