Key players are leaving, agents are wary and Ratcliffe’s comments do not help – United risk squandering opportunity

A player exodus, a temporary building downgrade to make way for the men’s team, the players’ union on alert and disappointing comments coming from the top. It has been a busy few days for all invested in the future of Manchester United’s women’s team.

Since the side’s relaunch in 2018 there have been questions about the intent and commitment of the club. Did the hierarchy really want a women’s team, or were they just responding to criticism? Did the opportune timing, with the Football Association having restructured the pyramid to allow teams to skip having to rise through the leagues, play a part?

• England No 1 fail to reach new deal with WSL club
• Goalkeeper expected to join Paris St-Germain

Mary Earps has left Manchester United, saying that the club is about to undergo a period of transition and that it does not “align with the timing of where I’m at in my career”.

The England No 1 goalkeeper has been with United since 2019 but is now expected to join Paris St-Germain on a two-year contact. The club lost Alessia Russo and Ona Batlle on free transfers last summer and their captain, Katie Zelem, and the Spain forward Lucía García are also departing.