Mary, who attended the university as a student and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) award in Information Management and Business Studies in 2016, has continued to pave the way as an inspiration in the world of football, representing United and England at the very highest level over recent years.
Having recently been included on the six-person shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023, Earps was also named the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year just last month, becoming the first goalkeeper to claim the honour.
The United shot-stopper was named the best goalkeeper at the FIFA Women's World Cup over the summer, having been awarded the Golden Glove accolade, and has returned following the Lionesses' campaign in Australia and New Zealand to continue making an impact for the Reds.