Man Utd Women in disarray: Mary Earps among players left in 'limbo' due to 'poor communication' on contracts & transfers as Alessia Russo gaffe comes to light

Russo left the club last summer, joining Women's Super League rivals Arsenal on a free transfer, and there is a chance that Earps could follow suit in a few months' time as her current deal is set to expire at the end of the season. With Man Utd under-performing on the pitch as well as seeing key players leave, there is growing unrest among fans.

These problems have been detailed by the Athletic, which claims that during January of last year, Man Utd "shook hands" on a new deal with Russo, only to "renege on several conditions", which led to it collapsing. The report also says that, in other contract negotiations, United have been "pushing hard bargains, made disrespectful lowball offers and tried to find ways to save nominal figures here and there".

Earps is one of several players out of contract at the club this summer, with negotiations for a new one having dragged on for over 18 months. The Athletic writes: "Poor communication from those in charge regarding budget and strategy for contract renewals, signings and transfer fees are said to have delayed negotiations and led to United missing out on players."

Man Utd drew at West Ham on Sunday, meaning they have now dropped points in eight of their 15 WSL outings this season. It leaves them a distant fourth in the table, nine points off the European spots and 12 behind pacesetters Chelsea with just seven games remaining.

Head coach Marc Skinner is another out of contract at the club this summer and new owners INEOS will need to decide whether he is the man to take the women's team forward.

The Red Devils will be looking to salvage what they can from a disappointing season by targeting success in the FA Cup. They play Brighton in the quarter-finals on Saturday, hoping to stay alive in a competition they reached the final of last season.