‘Mary Queen of Stops’ – Does Earps like her nickname & where did it come from? Lionesses & Man Utd goalkeeper explains

The Manchester United and England custodian has won over a legion of loyal fans with her performances for club and country. She is now a European champion, World Cup finalist and two-time winner of the FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper award.

Earps boasts a moniker to reflect her standing in the global game and has, while speaking on Sky Sports Editions, said when asked about a nickname that will not be going anywhere: “I don’t know if that came from the Euros or the World Cup, I’m not really sure. But its not the worst thing I’ve been called so I’ll definitely take it.”

Earps is a larger-than-life character on and off the pitch and makes no apologies for who and what she is. Social media has allowed her to showcase that personality, with the 31-year-old adding on making the most of a platform that can separate professional and personal life: “When I was growing up I used to be constantly on and super intense. It was harder then to have that separation from my football. It actually helped me being able to have that switch off time and just be me. It’s a way I can interact with the fans, it’s a way the fans can get to know me a little bit. On the pitch I’m super intense, super serious. I want to be the best, I want to win every game but then on the flipside, off the pitch, I don’t like to take life too seriously. I want to enjoy what I do and laugh while doing it.”

Another major honour has been added to Earps’ collection in 2024, having helped United to FA Cup glory, but a big summer is fast approaching. The Nottingham native is yet to sign a new contract with the Red Devils and will become a free agent if no fresh terms are agreed in Manchester.

Episode seven of Sky Sports Editions is available to watch on Sky Sports YouTube.