23 September 2023 , 09:37
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England goalkeeper Mary Earps admits it's been a "tough few weeks" amid speculation over her Manchester United future.
The shot-stopper was a standout performer at this summer's Women's World Cup and was named the Lionesses' Player of the Year earlier this week. Her impressive form has drawn admiring glances from a host of top European clubs, including Arsenal, who reportedly saw a world-record bid for Earps rejected last month.
According to The Athletic, "all signs" pointed to the goalkeeper wanting to leave the club in the summer. But the 30-year-old - who has a year left on her United contract - insists she remains committed to Marc Skinner's side and has struggled with the intense scrutiny she has been under in recent weeks.
Speaking to ITV Football ahead of England's 2-1 win over Scotland in the Nations League on Friday, Earps said: "It's been tough to be honest, it's been a tough few weeks for me personally. I have tried to keep my head down and get on with things, but it's been hard to see how I've been portrayed at times.
"Having your body language and your facial expressions heavily scrutinised. I care deeply about Manchester United as a club and all I have ever tried to do is give my absolute best from the moment that I joined and give my all to the team."
Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd
She added: "I think you can tell that in the way that I play and the passion I've put into my performances and the passion I'll continue to put into my performances. I've only tried to push the team to reach its full potential and demand more because I truly believe the club is capable of greatness.
"But now I just want to get down to business and I'm really focused on continuing to give my all for club and country."
The speculation over Earps' future came just weeks after her United and England team-mate Alessia Russo joined Arsenal on a free transfer after failing to agree a contract extension at Leigh Sports Village. Both Earps and Russo are likely to feature for the Lionesses next Tuesday when they travel to Utrecht to take on the Netherlands in the Nations League.
United will return to competitive action on Sunday October 1, when they take on Aston Villa at Villa Park in the Women's Super League.