Image: Source
Right now, despite everyone involved with the club, be it fans or each staff member and player with Alex Ferguson above the rest, it doesn’t look like Edwin van der Sar will make a U-turn and decide to stay another year. He seems fixed on retiring when the 2010-2011 season ends, no matter the amount of silverware they hit or miss on. It’s always difficult to find a good keeper to replace a legendary one, like it was when Schmeichel left. Here are three possible options for Fergie and one that’s lurking on his bench.
Hugo Lloris
Image: Source
France’s and Lyon number one, Hugo Lloris, number three in the world by our lists seems like a likely target for more than just one Premier League club. United have made their intrests clear, but so have Liverpool, worried about the commitment of Reina, and Arsenal, always keen on French talent and desperatly looking for a top notch keeper. Still, Lloris is about to sign a new long term deal with Lyon which will include a 25-30 million pounds buy out clause.
Manuel Neuer
Image: Source
The 24 year old, who has been part of Schalke’s various football teams since the age of 5 has rocketed to being considered one of the best in the world, mostly due to the spotlight time he gained during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. This season hasn’t been great for Schalke but Neuer has been one of the consisten bright spots, especially in the Champions League. Bayern Munich have been keen admirers and always make a lucrative destination. Still, there’s one player Manchester United look keen on –
David de Gea
Image: Source
Maybe it’s his age, maybe it’s the Spanish trend, maybe he impressed more than anyone else while playing for a team known for a lack of anything resembling a defensive mentality. David de Gea, the future of Spain between the goal posts, or so it seems, only 20 years of age but finishing his second season as Atletico Madrid’s top keeper, never an easy place to play at, looks like Ferguson’s most likely new no. 1. United are rumored to have a 15 million pound bid prepared for the youngster, probably costing less than what Neuer or Lloris would be.
Anders Lindegaard
Image: Source
Just a few months ago, a 26 year old Dane, with 4 caps for the national team, Anders Lindegaard, arrived at Old Trafford. So far he’s managed to contribute twice, during the FA Cup wins over Crawley town and Southampton. He’s arrival is probably more of an alert that the days of a certain Polish keeper as the no.2 gloves are over, but who knows, Ferguson does give at least a few chances to anyone in his first team before he makes his decision. A tiny chance, but Lindegaard could be the next Great Dane in the United goal.