Despite denying this will be his last season, Edwin van der Sar will be 40 at the end of the month. Rumours of a potential replacement have picked up with numerous names having been thrown into the mix, so who would be best suited to taking over from Big Ed when he finally does decide to hang up the gloves?
At just 19 David De Gea has years ahead of him between the sticks. Despite this the young Spaniard isn’t content with being one for the future and is carving a name out for himself now. Forcing his way into the first team picture at Atletico, De Gea is rated as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe and has won the Europa League already. The fact Sir Alex Ferguson took time out to watch him along with goalkeeping coach Eric Steele is an indication of how highly he may appear on the replacement list.
Another name that we have been linked with is Germany’s World Cup keeper Manuel Neuer. The 24 year old helped Germany win the European u21 championship in 2009 and graduated to the full team for the World Cup this summer and did his reputation no harm alongside the rest of Germany’s young contingent. He initially stated he wanted to stay in Germany but more recently he has spoken of an uncertainty regarding his future as he is ‘not comfortable with the current situation at Schalke.’ Perfect timing to make such a statement with rumours surrounding VDS future.
Although not as big a name as Neuer or De Gea, Anders Lindegaard of Aalesunds has been building quite a buzz in his own right. The 26 year old Danish keeper is being touted as the top Scandinavian goalkeeper and with the area having a rich history of providing quality goalkeepers, that is lofty praise. Lindegaard has been watched by United on numerous occasions with the latest being on Friday when Lindegaard came on as a second half sub for Thomas Sorensen. Lindegaard would be a cut price option but with his ever growing reputation, he may not be available on the cheap for long.
Emerging as a shock candidate, Juventus’ Gigi Buffon has also been mentioned. The Italian has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world for years and was the keeper who forced VDS out of the door at Juventus when he was signed for a record £32m from Parma. Tried and tested at the top level of the game and still relatively young for a goalkeeper at 31, Buffon would be an ideal replacement but Juve would demand a high fee for one of their best players and recently he has shown a propensity to getting injured which will also work against him.
There have been other names mentioned such as Frey from Fiorentina, Lloris from Lyon as well as Akinfeev who was strongly linked last season and even a throw away mention of former City number 1 Shay Given. As we saw with replacing Peter Schmeichel, it isn’t a small task and the person who is drafted in to fill the role will need to show ability as well as a mental toughness. All of the keepers mentioned have shown they can hold their own between the posts but if they can do the job between United’s posts is a complete different question.
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You forgot to mention Maarten Stekelenburg whose been at the forefront of rumours.
On paper, Buffon is no doubt the best, but his injury issues and lack of English could be a problem. But I would not be complaining if we signed him.
Once you get past the fact that he’s playing for evil incarnate, Given is in every way a good signing. Proven to be one of the best in the EPL and still at a good age. I’m not sure, but he may fulfill the homegrown rule based on how long his been in the league.
The northern European players are a plus as they speak English and should be fine with the climate. Neuer and Stekelenburg are proven at every level and are at a great age.
De Gea seems too good to be true, but if he really keeps improving he could be the next Buffon as few show that much skill at that age.
Overall, it seems there’s a lot of good picks out there. For now, Stekelenburg may be my top pick, but I’d like to read a bit more scouting on each of them.
The world class Tomasz Kuszczak with Amos and a newbe as understudies.
2009-10; De Gae managed only 10 clean sheets in 35 games and conceded over 30 goals, fact he won the europa lge with Atletico had nothing at all to do with him, the credit 100p/c belongs to Forlan, Aguero. The lad doesnt cut an imposing figure and a few wks ago against Barca when Messi broke free, the lad looked terrified like just wet himself, the closer Messi got, the closer he got to the goal line as he cowarded. Honestly i cant see him getting much better. not good enough be at a club the size of Utd.
I made some ommissions from the list or didn’t elaborate for a reason,
I feel Stekelenburg hasn’t been linked with us properly and even so personally I don’t think he is that great. Although back as Ajax #1, he had lost that position due to poor performances.
Given is as you said Jonathan premiership tested and although a good shot stopper doesnt have a great command of his box and seems glued to his line! He is a great shot stopper but would need to improve the command of his area.
@The Truth: I didn’t say De Gea was the reason Atletico won the Europa League but he played his part. Goalkeepers peak late and retire late and he is just 19, so if you think we have more or less seen the best of him I would disagree massively. In the Barca game he made a number of brilliant saves so that wasn’t the best game to use as an example!
I agree with Jonathan, Stekelenburg has proved himself at every level, even VDS has recommended him as his replacement. Neuer then De Gea would be my other choices in that order. I have not seen Lindegaard play yet, I’m sure he could do the business as well or we wouldn’t be watching him so much. Any one of these keepers would probably work out fine.
To the guy who said stekelenburg is proven at all level, he aint, the guy aint proven outside dutch football and has lost his form. The dramatic Sket aint a consisted boy and makes a fair number of howlers, he aint imposing nor commanding and wouldnt be able to handle premier league pressure, especially at United and therfore should be a no go; same goes for Lindegaard of denmark. Good article Chudi my son even thou the base of it, i dont agree with, keep up the good work.
Neuer for me, fantastic shot stopper with great command to boot..Kinda reminds me of our great dane..Also de gea may be young but is absolutely brilliant, a complete package at such a tender age..