Manchester United should not worry about a replacement should David de Gea depart according to former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who believes Victor Valdes is a ready-made replacement.
The 24-year-old has been hotly linked with La Liga outfit Real Madrid, and with just one year remaining on his contract, faces an uncertain future. Hugo Lloris, Jasper Cillessen and Petr Cech have all been named as potential replacements for the Spaniard, but the club already have former Barcelona number one and three-time Champions League winner Victor Valdes in the ranks.
De Gea was initially bought in to replacement Dutchman van der Sar, who retired from football in 2011 and led to the £18.9 million signing of the young goalkeeper from Atletico Madrid. Despite a shaky opening, in which his season was plagued by unfortunate mistakes, de Gea’s development at the Theatre of Dreams has been phenomenal, and led to him being branded one of the best in the world.
However, van der Sar feels they don’t need to dip into the transfer market should Rafa Benitez’s side get their wanted man.
“Maybe they have the solution already in-house in Victor Valdes,” the former keeper told BBC Sport when speaking at the Manchester United Legends vs Bayern Munich All-Stars fixture.
Louis van Gaal, who worked alongside Valdes in Spain, invited him to train with the club as he recovered from a serious knee injury, before completing a move in January. However, he has currently made just two appearances for the first team – due to an injury to the number one late in the season.
Making his debut under the Dutchman in 2002, Valdes remained at Barcelona for 12 years and lifted a wealth of accolades, which included six La Liga titles. While de Gea now faces a tough decision in whether to return to his homeland, van der Sar hopes van Gaal can continue his former face in Valdes – who lined-up between the sticks in Barcelona’s Champions League success against the Red Devils in 2009 and 2011.
“It depends whether they are looking for someone with reaction saves or someone who is commanding and a more outfield type of player,” he added. “If your team plays further away from goal and you have a goalkeeper who likes to protect his six-yard box, then the match will not be there.
“Barcelona played a lot away from their goal and that is something Van Gaal finds important. Valdes has a lot of experience and a great pedigree. If De Gea leaves, United have to move on’
Van der Sar managed over 250 appearances for United in a six-year spell, and is considered one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest signings – costing just £2 million from Fulham. Having also played for Ajax and Juventus previously, he is also considered one of the club’s best ever goalkeepers, alongside Peter Schmeichel and now de Gea himself.
“If you name some big clubs in the world, United and Real Madrid are in the top five. To choose between those is great,” the Champions League winner added.
“He will be a great loss for United if he leaves but the club has to move on and find a successor.”
