David de Gea
United have just confirmed the signing of Spain’s Under 21 goalkeeper, David de Gea (20), from Atletico Madrid on a five year deal. The fee is believed to be around £18million.
Following the disasters we experienced when trying to replace Schmeichel all those years ago, many United fans were concerned following Van der Sar’s recent retirement that we might see history repeat itself and it remains to be seen whether de Gea is the player to put everyone’s mind at rest but de Gea is widely considered to be the best young goalkeeper out there. Certainly, he appears to have been Fergie’s first choice despite rumours linking us with Manuel Neuer at one stage (people seemed to cool on that idea after we put four past him quite easily in our Champions League semi at Old Trafford though!)
The main concern about de Gea will probably be his inexperience. It is amazing to think that he is just half the age of the guy whose place he has just taken but I prefer to look at it this way – Edwin Van Der Sar was just twenty when he started playing for the great Ajax side of the early 90s, too and he came largely from nowhere, David has experience of playing against top sides following his stint at Atletico Madrid.
His performances in the recent European Under 21 tournament (which, of course, he and his Spanish teammates won) suggest that he’s got the composure and the temperament for the big occasion so here’s hoping he slots right in.
Welcome to United, David – all the best!