Is this Mary Earps' parting shot at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Man United? Lionesses star posts farewell message after departure from club amid deepening crisis in women's team

Mary Earps appeared to take a valedictory swipe at Sir Jim Ratcliffe's project at Manchester United as she confirmed she is leaving the club. 

The goalkeeper implied that she could not achieve her present ambitions at a club undergoing a period of 'transition' - with Ratcliffe sparking fury this week after admitting plans for the women's team are 'TBC'. 

Earps, a Euro 2022 winner with England, also posted her heartfelt thanks to United fans on Instagram after five years with the club.

She is out of contract and is on the verge of signing with Paris Saint-Germain after rejecting a new deal with the Red Devils. 

'Dear the United family, after five years of service to your great club, I have decided that it's time for a new challenge,' Earps wrote. 

'It's a decision I've gone backwards and forwards on for some time, and is not one I've made lightly.

'The club is about to undergo a period of transition, and unfortunately I don't feel it aligns with the timing of where I'm at in my career, therefore I think now is the right time to make a change and embark on a new challenge.

United had been in talks for two years over an extension but were unable to reach an agreement. 

Mail Sport has reported that Earps decided to leave after failing to be convinced by the club's long-term plans.

It has been a nightmare year for United Women, who finished in fifth place - their worst-ever WSL finish. 

Blighted by the loss of Alessia Russo on a free transfer to Arsenal, then struck by their stars being abused on social media over the Mason Greenwood debacle, with coaches and figures behind the scenes leaving.

In the past week, Ratcliffe admitted that plans for the women's team were 'TBC', while reports emerged that the side will be moved out of their new £10million facility to accommodate the men while work is completed at Carrington during 2024-2025.

Captain Katie Zelem has left the club on her contract expiry while Lucia Garcia has joined Mexican club Monterrey. Nikita Parris is considering other club swith her deal up next week.

In short, it has been a disastrous season for United Women, although they did win the FA Cup. 

Earps added: 'There aren't the right words, or enough words, to express my heartfelt gratitude to you all, but I hope the below comes somewhere close.

'I'm proud to have played every league minute for the badge for the past five seasons, and even more proud for us as a team to have broken the record of the most clean sheets kept in a season in 2023.

'The icing on the cake was winning the FA Cup at Wembley, a trophy I've always dreamed of winning, with you all singing at the top of your voices. 

'I could list so many more favourite memories, but these in particular I'll cherish.

'I have loved playing in front of you all, near and far but especially at Leigh Sports Village and Old Trafford. It doesn't feel real that I won't be playing in front of you all again next season, and I'm sad we're saying goodbye. 

'But from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for your incredible support over the years; the ups and downs, I'm grateful for it all.

'To my team-mates, there have been some special people to grace our changing rooms over the past five years. I'm fortunate to have stood alongside you all and I'll be rooting for you. 

'Although this United chapter has sadly come to a close, I take with me a heart full of incredible moments. Thank you for welcoming me as one of your own and letting me be a part of your club. 

'I wish you all the very best for the future and I hope I can continue to make you proud in my next chapter.

'GGMU, Your number 27, Mary x.'