After almost 21 years between the sticks with different clubs, Manchester United’s Edwin Van der Sar is set to hang up his gloves at Old Trafford. The ex-Ajax, Juventus and Fulham goalkeeper is admired for maintaining consistency season over season. His 130 matches for the Netherlands’ national football team and his more than 800 appearances in club football have certainly tired his body.
However, his performances haven’t been that affected. Even this season, which is understood to be his last, he’s been extremely reliable with more than 10 clean sheets in 35 appearances under his belt. A few more and he will remarkably reach the 20-clean sheets mark at the end of this term.
Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes deservingly receive global praises from fans and coaches for their commitment to Manchester United, but Edwin Van der Sar’s name can definitely not be omitted from the Red Devils’ list of major weapons. Following his arrival at Old Trafford from Fulham 6 years ago, the 40-year-old goalkeeper transformed into an important asset within Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.
Now as he prepares to leave his goalkeeping post, Fergie has also been left with a few problems to solve. Which player should succeed to the former Dutch international? The Manchester United is apparently opting for some fresh blood as he seemed to suggest this week when he reminded the public of an absolute fact, stating:
“Where Man United are good at is bringing in young players. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez [portray that]. We’re good at that, so I don’t see why we should change.
“With Hernandez, we have one of the best young strikers in the country. We’ll continue the way we’re going and when the right young players are identified, that’s the way we will go.”
We are talking about identification, aren’t we? Then Atletico Madrid’s David De Gea seriously appears as THE chosen one, the one that won’t alter Manchester United’s defensive power if he replaces the iconic Edwin Van der Sar.
Actually, De Gea possesses 3 things which put him in a good position under Manchester United’s radar: they are his young age, his remarkable talent and his early experiences at the top level.
Yes, David De Gea has won the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup with Atletico Madrid already. These honours add to the medals he’s won as a 2010 Copa del Rey runner-up, a2007 UEFA European U-17 Football Championship winner and a FIFA U-17 World Cup finalist. The Atletico Madrid keeper is consistent too as his statistics can reveal.
At only 20-years-of-age, De Gea has already made 74 appearances in club football. In his first season with Atletico, he featured in 35 matches and recorded 10 clean sheets. So far this season, he has appeared 39 times and he has 12 clean sheets in his name.
The starlet, who can be remembered for impressively saving Diego Milito’s spot kick in the 2010 UEFA Super Cup, surely has an even brighter future and more to exhibit. A club like Manchester United, who have contributed in the development of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo among many other youngsters, will help him achieve just that.
Likewise, he will certainly help the Red Devils a lot so Ferguson and his men are surely not wrong to hunt for his signature as agent Hector Rincon confirmed recently according to Sport.co.uk. Responding to fresh reports that Manchester United have made a £17.5M bid to Atletico for De Gea’s services, Hector Rincon was quoted as saying:
“Well, we did have talks with Manchester United. But, first of all, they always look for an agreement with the club.
“What I can tell you is that his release clause now is €20 million. However, I’ve got no idea if the club would sell him for less.
“Right now, the player has a contract with Atletico Madrid and if Manchester United or any other team want him, they’ll have to reach an agreement or pay the whole release clause.”
David De Gea is the sort of player for whom you cannot afford to lose a transfer battle, especially when you are really in need of a goalkeeper. Manchester United must capture him.
