Safia Middleton-Patel steals show for Man Utd despite Mary Earps return

Whereas Middleton-Patel stole the present by the tip of the evening, it was Earps who was the main focus earlier than kick-off.

The mural of Earps, painted exterior Outdated Trafford following her heroics with England at Euro 2022, bore a ‘Welcome to Manchester’ message which felt riddled with irony as she stepped out within the pouring northern rain within the opponent’s colors.

She was a heroine to many throughout her time at United and performed a key function within the membership’s first FA Cup victory, and their stand up the Girls’s Tremendous League desk.

This time she was a soccer enemy, arriving in a cloud of controversy, and obtained boos when her identify was learn out by the stadium announcer.

Extra boos adopted when she touched the ball, combined in with some cheers from loyal followers, till she ultimately obtained the adulation of the Outdated Trafford crowd when she walked alongside the stands applauding them at full-time, and was warmly obtained in return.

“A variety of the general public has nice curiosity in seeing Mary play. I am very completely happy to have a participant like her in our staff,” mentioned PSG boss Paulo Cesar afterwards.

“The followers right here had been clearly behind her. Initially, maybe not, however by the tip of the sport her high quality shone by means of.

“She put in an incredible efficiency in the present day and he or she provides confidence to the staff. I am very completely happy together with her.”

Skinner mentioned in his pre-match media convention he anticipated the United followers to make life troublesome for Earps as an opponent, however hoped she would obtain the respect she earned throughout her five-year spell on the membership earlier than leaving in 2024.

When she left the pitch to cheers from the house followers and hugs from former team-mates, the controversy of the previous two weeks surrounding her guide felt a distant reminiscence.

“It was good. I mentioned to her on the finish to take care of herself. Mary is a extremely clever girl and he or she has been the world’s finest so she understands it,” mentioned Skinner.

“It was a stunning ambiance and he or she acquired a cheer when she walked down on the finish of the sport, and hopefully that helps her within the state of affairs and the way she feels.

“After the sport it was all the time going to be pleasant with Mary, as a result of she was a giant a part of what we have now executed – and we should always always remember that.”