Safiya Middleton-Battle steals the spotlight for Manchester United despite the return of Mary Earps

While Middleton-Battle stole the show by the end of the night, Earps was the focus before kick-off.

The mural of Earps, painted outside Old Trafford after her heroic performance for England at Euro 2022, carried the message “Welcome to Manchester” which appeared laced with sarcasm as she emerged in the northern rain pouring in the opposition’s colours.

She was a hero to many during her time at United and played a key role in the club’s first FA Cup win and their rise to the Women’s Super League table.

This time it was an enemy of soccer, and she arrived under a cloud of controversy, receiving boos when the stadium announcer read her name.

More boos followed when she touched the ball, mixed with some cheers from loyal followers, until she finally received the adulation of the Old Trafford crowd when she walked along the stands applauding them throughout, and was warmly received in return.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Paulo Cesar said afterwards: “A lot of fans have a great interest in seeing Marie play. I’m very happy to have a player like her in our team.”

“Obviously the fans here were supporting her. At first, maybe not, but by the end of the match, her quality stood out.

“She gave a great performance today and gave the team confidence. I’m very happy with her.”

Skinner said in his pre-match media conference that he expects United fans to make life difficult for Earps as a competitor, but hopes she will earn the respect she earned during her five-year spell at the club before leaving in 2024.

As she left the field to the cheers of the home crowd and the hugs of her former teammates, the controversy surrounding her book over the past two weeks seemed like a distant memory.

“It was lovely. I finally told her to take care of herself. Mary is a really smart woman and she was the best in the world so she understands,” Skinner said.

“It was a lovely atmosphere and she cheered when she came down at the end of the match, hopefully that helps her with the situation and how she feels.

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