Manchester United have confirmed that captain Katie Zelem will depart when her contract expires on Sunday. Zelem, a lifelong United fan, has been with the club since they reformed a senior women’s team in 2018 and has been a key player ever since. United’s announcement included a heartfelt message: “Today we bid farewell to a legend.”
England goalkeeper Mary Earps is also expected to leave United, reportedly considering an offer from Paris Saint-Germain after turning down a new contract from the club. Unlike Earps, Zelem’s departure comes after United chose not to trigger a further year’s option on her contract.
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Zelem, 28, will be free to speak to other clubs and is likely to attract numerous offers, having earned 12 England caps and been part of the Lionesses squad that reached the final of last year’s Women’s World Cup. Her exit comes amid a series of changes at United, including the confirmed departure of Spain forward Lucia García on a free transfer.
United are close to bolstering their attack, with Norway’s Elisabeth Terland reportedly undergoing a medical on Tuesday ahead of a move from Brighton. Terland was joint-second-highest scorer in the Women’s Super League last season, netting 13 goals.
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In addition to the impending exits of Earps and Zelem, United have faced challenges off the pitch. The Guardian revealed that the women’s team will be moved into portable buildings next term to allow the men’s squad to use their facilities at the Carrington training complex during renovations.
From a fan perspective, this development is bittersweet. Zelem’s departure is particularly hard to accept, given her status as a fan favorite and her contributions since the team’s reformation. The prospect of losing both Zelem and Earps, coupled with the team’s temporary relocation to portable buildings, raises concerns about the club’s commitment to the women’s team.
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