MARY EARPS received a mixed welcome in her first game back at Old Trafford since leaving Manchester United.
The goalkeeper ended her five-year spell with United last summer by joining Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
But she returned to her former home for the first time in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Earps was named in the starting line-up for visitors PSG at Old Trafford.
And she received a round of applause from a few hundred fans taking to their seats in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand when she made her way out onto the pitch for a pre-match warm-up.
However, every time she touched the ball when the game started the former England star was booed by the home fans.
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Despite a majority of boos, some United supporters continued to cheer and clap for the goalkeeper.
Earps left Man Utd on a slightly sour note – despite initially wanting to end her playing career at the club.
In her new book, the 32-year-old admitted she felt the need to move on due to a lack of urgency from Marc Skinner and the Red Devils hierarchy to renew her contract.
Ahead of the game, Man Utd boss Skinner said: “Mary was always a leader. She always had a voice and her own opinion – I always welcomed that. She always said what she was thinking.
“We welcome her back and absolutely respect her for what she did here.
“We also welcome her back as an opponent and I have to be clear on that. During the game, it’s about us trying to win against Mary.”
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Meanwhile, Earps herself explained: “I’m probably expecting a little booing. I hope it’s a little bit, but it might be a lot.
“A few of the fans have come out to support me at PSG, but Manchester United is their number one team. I understand that.”
Earps endured a nightmare return to Old Trafford as United beat PSG 2-1 in the group phase.
PSG started strong with Jennifer Echegini’s long-range effort smacking the post inside two minutes.
But Earps was further stung when United striker Melvine Malard outmuscled PSG centre-back Griedge Mbock Bathy to curl in a superb opener inside 31 minutes.
On the stroke of half-time, World Cup winner Olga Carmona unleashed a screamer from 25 yards out, with Safia Middleton-Patel far off her line.
United retook the lead through Fridolina Rolfo’s well-placed header after Lioness hero Jess Park turned on the style to tee up Anna Sandberg for an assist.
Earps never qualified for the Champions League group stage during her five-year stint with Marc Skinner’s side, who have won nine points from nine to move into the top four of the rebooted league phase.
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PSG, meanwhile, are facing elimination after suffering a third consecutive European defeat, with Earps conceding eight in the competition this season.
Earps started her post-game lap of honour towards the corner of the Bobby Charlton Stand but was stopped for a chat by some of her former United team-mates on half-way line.
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