Manchester United’s finest shot stoppers

Manchester United, after the departure of Peter Schmeichel, had a hard time finding a replacement. They witnessed many goalkeepers like Mark Bosnich, Andy Goran who were complete flops between the posts at Old Trafford. On the other hand, OT’s seen some downright excellent goal keepers.

With the possibility of David de Gea’s departure increasing every day, will Manchester United be in a situation akin to 1999 again?

But first, here’s a list of ‘keepers who were demigods between the posts for MUFC.

5. Tim Howard (2003-2007)

Manchester United signed the American Tim Howard in 2003 from the MLS team MetroStars, just like his fellow competitor and team mate Roy Carroll, for a fee of $4 million. He was given the starting lineup preference over Fabian Barthez right after joining. He had good reflexes and was always on the watch. He’s well known for some stuntman-like goal keeping, like a penalty save against Arsenal in the Community Shield, and also for his amazing performance against Manchester City in an FA Cup tie. But he’s very well known for his parrying mistake against Porto FC which knocked Manchester United out of the Champions League and he was then replaced by Roy Carroll. This shattered his confidence but he regained his first team place next season. He was also named in the PFA XI of the year in his first season. He joined Everton in 2007, two years after Van der Sar signed for Manchester United.

4. Fabien Barthez (2000-2004)

A Penalty spot kick has been awarded against Manchester United. Can he Score? NO HE CAN’T. BARTHEZ DOES IT AGAIN.
One of the best goalkeepers of his time, Fabien Barthez signed for Manchester United in 2000 after his concurrent successes at the World Cup and European Championship in 1998 and 2000 for a fee of £7.8 million from AS Monaco. He was signed for the long spell as Schmeichel’s replacement. His first season was brilliant. He helped Manchester United to their third title in a row. He was famous for his antics like beating strikers with skills, coming out of the box with the ball and surely became a crowd favourite. He had amazing reflexes and was one of the best penalty stoppers. But he too made mistakes. He gifted two goals to Thierry Henry against Arsenal and received widespread criticism all around after he was beaten at the near post by Ronaldo, which knocked the Red Devils out of the competition. This led to him being replaced by Roy Caroll and his transfer move back to his old club Marseille in 2004.

3. David De Gea (2011-?)

And he’s free and one on one with the goalkeeper, can he score? Oh My God, what a save again from Manchester United’s number 1, David De Gea. We’ve heard this so many times this season, we’ve come to expect it from every match!

He wouldn’t have made the list 18 months ago if he hadn’t given such brilliant performances. David De Gea signed for Manchester United from Athletico Madrid for a fee of £17.8 million. He was bought as the Van der Sar’s ‘replacement’ and found it tough in his early years to adapt. Questions were asked about his body strength and ability to cope with the English game. He has very good reflexes and his kicking skills are impeccable. His major weakness is defending corners which he is trying to get rid of.

Ever since then, he has been improving and now has established himself as Manchester’s No. 1. He is now termed as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world after his outstanding performances which ensured Manchester United’s top 4 spot. He also finished his first season with the best saves-to-shots ratio. Even though there is speculation that he may return to his city by singing for Real Madrid, United fans really hope he stays with them because he surely plays a very important role and was a major reason for most of their wins.

2. Edwin Van Der Saar (2006-2011)

Anelka vs Van Der Sar.
A decisive penalty.
Can he score?
OH WHAT A SAVE FROM VAN DER SAR!
MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE WON THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!

In 2005, after a lot of struggle, Sir Alex Ferguson finally found what he was looking for. Edwin Van der Saar signed for Manchester United in 2006 from Fulham for just £2 million. He had the body strength and the height to save all that he faced. He provided Manchester United with composure and is one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the world considering his world class performances for six great years. He doesn’t have any notable stints because he provided the team with his best performance in every game. He was also voted as the UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the year in 2009. He was very reliable in goal and still holds the record for number of consecutive clean sheets. He also holds the record for going the longest without letting past a goal at about 1300 minutes. He was also part of the squad which won four Premiership titles until his retirement. He also represented his nation in the World Cup and the European Championships and retired from football on May 28, 2011.

1. Peter Schmeichel (1991-1999)

A save, another save, and a triple save from Peter Schmeichel. There is no going past this big, blonde giant.

Manchester United’s rock solid wall from 1991 to 1999. Schmeichel had exquisite reflexes and predictions, and produced amazing saves throughout his career. United recorded 178 clean sheets in 392 games with him. Sir Alex Ferguson stated that he was the best goalkeeper Manchester United ever had. The only man who held a candle to him was Van Der Saar, who was nearly as amazing between the posts as Schmeichel. The Dane was instrumental and was named as UEFA goalkeeper of the year in 1992, 1993, 1997 and 1998.

He is also known to be the man who was a key figure in Manchester United’s historic treble and their specific dominance in the 1990’s. You can see how important he is that Manchester United ever since his departure have been looking for a perfect replacement and have failed at times. His notable feats such as Dennis Begkamp’s penalty save in the FA Cup semi-final, his strong captaincy which led Manchester United to their Champions League win in 1999 are still remembered. He will always be a Legend for all the United fans even though he joined their rivals City in the future years.