In Part 1 of this post, I began a discussion on the men that stood in-between the sticks for Manchester United ever since the Premier League behind. We saw the likes of Peter Schmeichel, Gary Walsh, Raimond van der Gouw, Nick Culkin, and Mark Bosnich only. However, Peter Schmeichel stood out among these men as the most outstanding as he made the most impact. In this episode, follow me as I wrap up the gist with the remaining shot-stoppers.
Paul Rachubka
The young man then wasn't much of a United goalkeeper as he made only one appearance for the club. On that note, it wouldn't be a thing of a surprise if a lot of us do not remember him. His only game was against Leicester City and he had the chance only because Fabien Barthez was injured during the warm-up.
Andy Goram
Here's another man that didn't have a long spell at Old Trafford. The retired Scottish was only signed in 2001 when Barthez and Van der Gouw had injury challenges. Andrew Lewis Goram only played two games during his stay. He was in action against Coventry and Southampton as United closed in on the 2001 league title and conceded two goals in each game.
Fabien Barthez
The French man was the supposed replacement for Peter Schmeichel but that wasn't the case. He could only spend 3 seasons at Old Trafford yet with outstanding achievements. He won 2 English Premier League titles in 2001 and 2003. More so, he made 92 premier league appearances.
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Fabien Alain Barthez joined Manchester United in 2001 and exited in 2004. He’s remembered for his unpredictable behaviour and individual errors while in action. However, he was a good goalkeeper who certainly enjoyed success at Old Trafford.
Roy Carroll
Roy Eric Carroll joined Manchester United in the year 2001 and spent 4 years at Old Trafford. He made 94 premier league and won 3 trophies including; 1 Premier League in 2003, 1 Super League in 2004, and 1 Super Cup in 2004.
However, there's one hilarious moment many will always remember Roy Caroll for. In a match against Tottenham at Old Trafford, Roy Caroll allowed Pedro Mendes’ strike from the half-line to cross the goal line. Somehow, the referee disallowed the goal.
Ricardo Felipe
Ricardo López Felipe made just one Premier League appearance for United
The Spaniard did play in four Champions League games also. His only game in the premier league was when he came off the bench to replace Fabien Barthez against Blackburn in 2003. He was among the team that won the title in 2003.
The retired Spain international signed for United in the summer of 2002 and made only five appearances in all competitions.
Tim Howard
Ever since the departure of Peter Schmeichel in 1999, Manchester United had been on the lookout for a perfect replacement which they thought they had found in Timothy Howard. He was good though but not with so much quality. He made 77 premier league appearances for the Red Devils. Although he didn't win the premier league during his tenure, he won both the Carling Cup and FA Cup once each.
Tim Howard joined United in 2003 and left for Everton in 2006 as he was no longer the favourite man for the job. Also, Edwin van der Sar showed up.
Edwin van der Sar
In 2005, Manchester United's hunt for a more reliable goalkeeper ended when the club signed van der Sar. He brought some dignity to the United's goal post. The Red Devils signed Edwin Van der Sar at the age of 34 for just £2 million. But he was the club’s No.1 for the next six seasons helping himself to four Premier League titles and a Champions League.
Experience is what makes a good goalkeeper and Van der Sar was undoubtedly an experienced shot-stopper. This was shown in the many clean sheets he kept and the goals he saved. Particularly, he showed his experience in 2008 when he denied Anelka a goal during the 2008 Champions League final spot-kicks.
However, his career at United lasted until 2011 when he retired, after making over 250 appearances for the club. The only downside with the Dutchman is that United did get him earlier.
Tomasz Kuszczak
The Polish man joined United in 2006. Tomasz Mirosław Kuszczak’s time at Old Trafford coincided with great success as he deputized for Edwin van der Sar. He was a decent backup for 6 years. He made 61 appearances in all competitions and 32 in the Premier League. In 2012, he left United on a free transfer to Brighton.
Tom Foster
The current Watford keeper was signed by Manchester United in 2005 before being loaned out to Watford. Foster made 12 appearances in the Premier League and helped the club win the 2009 League Cup. He was a solid keeper that just couldn't excel at the club.
Ben Amos
This was another appearance wonder in the Premier League. However, Sir Alex Ferguson engaged him in cup competitions a few times.
Anders Lindegaard
Manchester United signed Lindegaard as a potential No.1 in 2010 and a future replacement for van der Sar. Well, things didn't turn out well for Lindegaard. He left Old Trafford after playing 19 Premier League games, 10 of which came in the title-winning campaign of 2012/2013.
Víctor Valdés
There's nothing much to say about the Spaniard's stay at Manchester United. He only made 2 appearances for the club and was released in 2016 after which he retired in 2017. Most of his best days were at FC Barcelona.
Sergio Romero
Romero is currently taking charge of the post at Venezia. He made just 7 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils but was featured throughout the Europa League winning campaign of 2016/2017.
We also have the likes of Joel Perreira and Dean Henderson. These youngsters wish to be United's No.1 shot-stopper but David de Gea is the main man currently.
David de Gea
Regardless of what others may say, David de Gea has been very outstanding and instrumental to the club. One of his challenges is United's poor backline. When the defenders aren't doing a good job, the goalkeeper is bound to suffer and also receive criticisms.
David de Gea is the currently No.1 man for the Red Devils with no good second. To note is that, he has made over 395 appearances for the club since joining in 2011. Also, he has bagged many trophies so far.
