Man Utd progress relies on making statement in final week of transfer window

08 September 2023 , 13:24

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Mary Earps of Manchester United & her team-mates look dejected at the end of the Vitality Women's FA Cup Final match against Chelsea (Image: Photo by Charlotte Tattersall - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Before Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final win over Brighton in April, Marc Skinner insisted he wasn’t worried about England star Alessia Russo’s contract expiring.

"I wouldn't say (the contract situations of Russo and full back Ona Batlle) goes to the highest level of concern," he told a pre-match press conference. Perhaps at that stage the manager had already resigned himself to losing two of his best players.

Yet it was still odd the club were so relaxed about the prospect of both departing. Less than two months later, Battle was at Barcelona and Russo was presented in Arsenal red before England had even assembled the World Cup training squad.

Within the space of a few weeks, United had lost two players who would have made most observers' WSL Team of the Year last season. Both are hard, near impossible, to replace.

Now a third pillar of their successful season could be set to leave. Mary Earps could well depart before next Thursday’s deadline and even if she doesn’t, the prospects of her agreeing a new long-term deal are slim.

Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd

Earps only has one year left on her current contract. The best goalkeeper in the world, should she go, would leave a Grand Canyon size hole in the red half of Manchester.

Whoever comes into Leigh Sports Village to take the No.1 shirt, would surely be a downgrade on the England keeper. Even if they come as talented as Australian stopper Mackenzie Arnold.

Alessia Russo looks dejected after losing the FA Cup final to Chelsea

For United fans this represents a worrying trend. Three of their most important four players from the last two seasons have either left or are on the verge of departing, Ella Toone the exception.

This doesn’t create a sense of a club serious about unseating Chelsea and Arsenal as a dominant force in the English women’s game. United’s progress since formation in 2018 has been rapid and they deserve credit for that.

But the last step is always the hardest. This team came close to winning their first major silverware last year, but in the big moments there was still a gulf in class between them and Chelsea.

2023-24 had to be the season they closed that gap. Instead they appear to be leaking quality with only a few weeks to go until the big kick off.

The overall strategy on the women’s team appears less than clear but it won’t stop United getting roared onto the pitch for their first home game against Arsenal on October 6.

Last season United were one of the most exciting teams in the league. Had it not been for one moment of magic from Sam Kerr on their trip to Kingsmeadow in March, Skinner’s side may well have escaped with a result and ended up lifting the title.

United unveil new signing Geyse Da Silva Ferreira at Old Trafford last month

Their transfer window hasn’t been all doom and gloom though. Brazilian forward Geyse has arrived from Barcelona, a player most clubs in Europe would have taken, even if she wasn’t first choice in Catalonia.

This week Japan international Hinata Miyazawa also arrived, only weeks after winning the World Cup Golden Boot, another exciting addition to the squad. Evie Rabjohn, is one for the future, and Gemma Evans has also signed for the Red Devils. Both appear shrewd buys on first glance.

Man Utd boss Skinner sends firm message to Arsenal over Russo contract saga

But this hard work could be undone if Earps departs next week. Perhaps the women’s side simply isn’t enough of a priority while the wider club is still in the midst of what appears to be a never ending takeover saga.

If United fans are to enter the new season with optimism that they can win a trophy and belief they get through their Champions League qualifier to reach the group stage, they’ll need to be given some positive news in the next week. Resolving Earps’ issues and retaining the best keeper in the world in Manchester would be the biggest possible statement of intent.

Jack Lacey-Hatton