Only three games of the current season have been played, but evidence from those matches have suggested new goalkeeper Sergio Romero will be a good signing for Manchester United.
Romero has been almost untroubled in goal in his first three matches, but the Argentine’s role at the club remains unclear. Should fellow ‘keeper David de Gea stay for the current season, or be replaced in the meantime, then United’s new number 20 might yet find himself as a back-up player.
The Argentine won’t want to become a player used specifically as a second choice, but there have been some good and reliable players to have taken up the role in the past with United. Here, Read Man United takes a look at five of the best.
Gary Walsh
Not one of the most famous names from United’s history, but Gary Walsh was a loyal servant with United for nine years in the 1980’s and 90’s. He signed as a professional in the summer of 1986, just months before Sir Alex Ferguson became manager and was a reliable number two in goal for most of his time with United.
Walsh only played 63 times in total at United, with over half of those appearances coming in his first two seasons. The Englishman even overcame being transfer listed to earn a new contract towards the end of his career at Old Trafford, then spending most of his time playing in cup competitions.
Overall, Walsh was a decent and reliable back-up ‘keeper in his time at United, though was kept in the shadows by the great Peter Schmeichel in his remaining years before leaving for Middlesbrough.
Raimond van der Gouw
Raimond van der Gouw is not one of the greatest goalkeepers to have played for United, but certainly proved a useful asset in his time at Old Trafford, even spending some time as a coach.
The Dutch ‘keeper played almost completely as a back-up throughout his six years with United, other than a brief spell in the 1999-00 season, where he played enough matches to earn a league winners’ medal. Van der Gouw left United having played in some big matches, against opposition such as Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, and was a more than competent number two.
Van der Gouw departed for West Ham in 2002, having played 60 games for United, whilst keeping a respectable 27 clean sheets in those matches.
Roy Carroll
As a second choice goalkeeper, which Roy Carroll was for the first three of his four seasons at Old Trafford, this Northern Irish man was an adequate back-up to have on the bench.
Indeed, between the 2001-02 and 2003-04 seasons, Carroll was competing for the number one spot with Fabien Barthez and Tim Howard. Although those aren’t the best ‘keepers from the club’s history, the trio were all decent enough at times, the Northern Irish man included.
Carroll even won an FA Cup and League winners’ medal in his time at United, but his final season was more forgettable. After being promoted to first choice ‘keeper, Carroll made several embarrassing blunders, including the infamous goal that never was against Spurs, and a blunder against AC Milan which led to the club’s European exit.
It’s probably best to remember Carroll as a good back-up ‘keeper, rather than a poor first choice.
Tomasz Kuszczak
Poland international Tomasz Kuszczak was a promising backup goalkeeper for United in his six-year spell between 2006 and 2012. He played the majority of his games in the earlier years of his career with the club but was more often a solid option than not between the sticks at Old Trafford.
The Polish ‘keeper never played more than 16 games in any of his six seasons at the club though, with his position as second choice ‘keeper at times under pressure from Ben Foster. He did start in the 2010 League Cup final however, which United went on to win- perhaps the highlight of Kuszczak’s time at United.
Kuszczak’s United career was largely inconsistent, with many memorable and forgettable performances. However, for the most part, the Poland international was a good enough option in goal in the absence of first choice ‘keeper Edwin van der Sar.
Anders Lindegaard
Anders Lindegaard has barely played in the last few years for United but has shown a great attitude whilst with the club, rarely bemoaning his lack of games. He has this summer been told he can leave, and it is probably time for him to do so, but the Dane has contributed to the club’s recent success.
Lindegaard signed in the January 2011 transfer window, but didn’t play until the following campaign. He played in a run of games after David de Gea was infamously dropped in his debut season at the club, and United’s number 13 was often a good alternative in goal.
He played ten games in the 2012-13 season, earning himself a league winners’ medal, but has made only three appearances since- all of which came over a year ago. Lindegaard isn’t a spectacular goalkeeper but has at least been good enough to play the occasional game for United in recent seasons.
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