Mary Earps and Manchester United praise 'wonderful' thing Newcastle United supporters did

Newcastle United Women were knocked out of the FA Cup by Women's Super League side Manchester United this weekend.

The Magpies' 5-0 defeat to the team two leagues above them marked the team's first loss of 23/24 season. NUWFC remain unbeaten in FA Women's National League North sitting five points clear at the top of the table.

But overall it was a day to celebrate. Hundreds of United supporters made the round-trip to the North West to cheer on the Lasses and it didn't go unnoticed by some of the biggest stars of women's football.

And it seemed no one was more impressed than England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps.

Earps had perhaps the best year of her career in 2023, winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year, the Goldon Glove in both the WSL and 2023 World Cup as well as being named IFFHS Women's World's Best Goalkeeper.

After the final whistle was blown in the cup tie, Earps along with her teammates and Manchester United Women's head coach Marc Skinner were videoed applauding both NUWFC and the travelling supporters, looking genuinely impressed and appreciative.

One Red Devils fan took to social media to echo this sentiment, writing: 'By far the best fans that have come to LSV this season. 'Can’t wait for Newcastle to reach the WSL cos I feel it’ll push other clubs to bring this kind of away following.'

Marc Skinner, Manchester United Women's head coach, vocalised his admiration in a post-match video.

"A lot of credit to Newcastle. I said to Becky at the end, I'll see them in the WSL very soon because you know the way they were physically able to keep up, cope," said Skinner.

The manager then turned to the level of support, speaking about how important it is in developing the women's game: "Credit to them. It was wonderful today to hear our fans and the Newcastle fans, that was a real great point of this game," he said. "To hear the two sets of fans bring the energy and bring the noise- I think both sets of players felt that, both benches felt that and it was a real cup tie.

"I want the women's game to go that way as well and it was a great, great experience for everyone involved today."