Arguably the greatest goalkeeper of his generation, replacing the Dane was a near impossible feat, and one Sir Alex Ferguson struggled with for years.
Until that is, he came across Edwin van der Saar. The Dutchman was bought from Fulham, where he had demonstrated his brilliance consistently, and he soon adapted to Old Trafford. Having previously played for Ajax and Juventus, this was a man who knew what it took to play for a big club, unlike some of the other players Ferguson tried in the position, such as Massimo Taibi, who was comically awful in his cameo at the club.
Van der Saar’s value to United is huge. This is a goalkeeper with the quality to win a game on his own. All big clubs need a goalkeeper like this. It is arguably why Arsenal have struggled to win a trophy since the departure of Jens Lehmann.
Manuel Almunia was never capable of winning a game on his own, and even though Arsenal’s outfield players were often good enough, they were never able to call on their goalkeeper to dig them out of a hole. Even in his best performance for the club against Barcelona a year ago, the Spaniard made an awful error to allow the Catalans to open the scoring. His predecessor, Jens Lehmann, made his mistakes, but he could win games on his own.
The same goes for van der Saar. And for Petr Cech and Pepe Reina. Manchester City and Tottenham would perhaps justifiably make the same claim about Joe Hart and Heurelho Gomes respectively. A top team needs a goalkeeper who can produce match winning saves. All of the above, Almunia included, are capable of producing comical errors. Van der Saar himself helped contribute to the dropping of two points against West Brom at Old Trafford earlier in the season when he somehow dropped a cross that he should have easily caught. But with the exception of the butter-fingered Arsenal goalkeeper, the other goalkeepers all win more points than they cost.
And Van der Saar more than most; his reflexes remain razor sharp, epitomised by some incredible stops against Arsenal in the cup last weekend. He is a manager’s dream. Ferguson can only hope he can replace him with someone of similar quality, and quickly. Here are some of the contenders.
Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04)
Ferguson is a known admirer of the German, who has starred for his country for a few years now and demonstrates the maturity and calm head required in a replacement for van der Saar. Schalke would likely trade if a reasonable offer comes in, and with youth on his side, he fits the profile of Manchester United’s new transfer policy – young players whose value over the length of a contract will exceed the initial transfer fee paid.
Martin Stekelenbeerg (Ajax)
The Dutch goalkeeper was an intrinsic part of the Holland side which found its way to the World Cup final last summer, but there are still doubts over his decision making at points, and he is prone to the odd mistake.
Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon)
An impressive performer who United have had scouted and received glowing reports on. With good links and dealings with Sporting in the past United would have a good chance of winning the race for his signature, but whether his club are willing to sell or not is unclear.
David de Gea (Atletico Madrid)
The young Spaniard has established himself at the La Liga club this season and is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in the country. A certainty to be a Spanish regular in years to come with a maturity that belies his years.
Kasper Schmeichel (Leeds)
Entirely fabricated, but who better to be the next Manchester United goalkeeper than the son of the best no.1 in the club’s history? To be fair, he’d probably be a good choice too…
