Marc Skinner and Paulo César have their say after Mary Earps booed on Old Trafford return

13th November 2025 Oliver Taliku

Manchester United's head coach Marc Skinner extends his contract

Mary Earps made her return to Manchester on Wednesday night for PSG and both her current and former manager defended her after a frosty reception.

Paulo César defends his goalkeeper

Mary Earps was on the wrong end of some boos at Old Trafford on her return.

The reception for Manchester United’s former number one comes shortly after the release of her controversial book.

Within her book, Earps described an uncomfortable environment while she played for the Lionesses which was created by Sarina Wiegman and Hannah Hampton.

Speaking after PSG’s 2-1 loss, head coach Paulo César defended his goalkeper amidst all the drama.

“A lot of the public has great interest in seeing Mary play. I’m very happy to have a player like her in our team,” he said. “The fans here were clearly behind her. At the beginning, perhaps not, but by the end of the game her quality shone through.

“She put in a great performance today and she gives confidence to the team. I’m very happy with her.”

Although her team lost and she conceded two goals, Earps still enjoyed a good return to her former club.

The 32-year-old also received a warm reception from the home supporters once the game had finished, showing there was no hard feelings to Earps despite the recent drama.

Marc Skinner happy to reunite with Earps

Following the game, Mary Earps also met up with former coach Marc Skinner.

“It was nice. I said to her at the end to look after herself,” Skinner said. “Mary is a really intelligent woman and she has been the world’s best so she understands it

“It was a lovely atmosphere and she got a cheer when she walked down at the end of the game, and hopefully that helps her in the situation and how she feels.

“After the game it was always going to be friendly with Mary, because she was a big part of what we have done – and we should never forget that.”

Skinner played a huge part in the goalkeeper’s career, as the former Lioness spent three years under his management in Manchester with the club winning an FA Cup during her tenure.

The United manager also came to the defence of Earps following the release of her autobiography.

Even amid all the drama, Earps remains ever-professional which was shown on Wednesday night with a classy display in the Champions League.

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About Oliver Taliku 362 Articles
Olly Taliku has worked with highly respected sports and gambling websites where he has produced hundreds of articles, as well as being published with Burton Albion and Chesterfield FC. At Burton Olly worked closely alongside the women's team, producing mainly matchday content including reports and interviews. He also has experience as an accredited Premier League and EFL writer for Prost International where he worked during the 2021/22 season to produce matchday content as an on location reporter. Olly specialises in women's football as well as long form SEO content plus news and tips. While he enjoys writing about all football, Olly supports Arsenal passionately as a lifelong fan of the club.