Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation has always been interesting, however it is even more so now than ever. Considering that there are three United keepers, playing well at the top of English, and European football, it may be time to reconsider whether it should always be David De Gea starting between the sticks?
Goalkeeping Situation at Manchester United
David De Gea
David De Gea has, on many occasions, been called the greatest goalkeeper in the world. This, however, has been called into question of late due to a number of uncharacteristic mistakes. He has cost United a larger than ideal number of goals recently, and although flashes of his world-class quality have shown, two of United’s other goalkeepers have impressed recently, and it may be time for them to get a chance as the Red Devils’ number one.
De Gea is, undoubtedly, one of the world’s greatest goalkeepers. He has saved United countless times, gaining them points all by himself. The Spanish international has been the first choice goalkeeper for club and country for quite some time now.
He is, however, coming up to the age of 30. A more severe decline in his quality may only be a few years off now. With this in mind, his gradual lessening in excellence over the past couple of seasons could be due to age. This is unlikely, however, as most players reach their prime when they are about 26. De Gea is only two years older than this, and peaks tend to come a little later for goalkeepers. Furthermore, goalkeepers do not tend to decline drastically in quality until they reach their early to mid-thirties. Having said that, some players reach their prime very early on in their career, and although this is unlikely in the case of De Gea, it is certainly a possible cause for his recent mistakes.
Sergio Romero
Sergio Romero is United’s back-up goalkeeper and he has filled this position for quite some time. Although he is not the first choice in the Premier League, Romero is the first choice in cup competitions, and he always looks impressive. The South American played the position between the sticks in United’s 2016/17 Europa League campaign. He helped them win the competition with eight clean sheets and just four goals conceded in his 12 appearances. Romero has impressed whenever called upon in United’s cup campaigns.
He has played a few matches in the league as well, most of which came amid strong speculation of David De Gea’s switch from Manchester to Madrid. He has looked immense there as well. In all seven of his Premier League appearances, Romero has six clean sheets. These have not been against easy competition either, facing the likes of Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite being a backup goalkeeper, playing in mostly easy games, Romero has always looked good for Manchester United. He has produced some world-class saves which definitely warrant a shot at regular Premier League football. He has kept a total of 33 clean sheets in his 52 appearances at Manchester United, almost double De Gea’s clean sheet percentage. Romero is one of the best backup goalkeepers in the world and should certainly have more chances in high profile games at Manchester United.
Dean Henderson
Dean Henderson has recently emerged from the United academy as a Premier League star on loan at Sheffield United. Henderson has the joint second-highest amount of Premier League clean sheets this season, second to Kasper Schmeichel. He has conceded less that one goal a game this season, helping the Blades to a current eighth place, seven points off Champions League football. Despite not having played in a senior match for United, he is one of their own. Henderson came through the academy and is now succeeding at a Premier League club not far below his own. He seems the perfect person to be a first choice Manchester United keeper.
Who Should Be Starting?
Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation has always been interesting, but it is now more than ever. When Dean Henderson returns from his loan at the end of the season it is likely he will be back for good. This will give United a tough choice to make when it comes to who will start in goal. Despite David De Gea’s incredible class, he has looked shaky of late. This could be a phase, or something permanent. Either way, United have two other first-team quality keepers in Romero and Henderson. It remains to be seen how these three players will see out the remainder of the season, however, we may see new faces in goal for Manchester United next campaign.
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