From the dawn of the Premier League to the early 2000’s, Manchester United ruled supreme in the Premier League, winning the league on no fewer than eight occasions. During this period Sir Alex had the great Dane at his disposal in goal, signed from Bronby for just £550,000 thousand pounds, Peter Schmeichel was ever present as United won 5 titles, 3 FA Cups, 1 League Cup, 4 Charity (community) Shields and of course the Champions League in 1999. At the end of that treble winning season Schmeichel decided to leave Old Trafford in the search of new pastures, and United failed to replace him.
Ferguson tried (and failed) to bring in a natural successor to Schmeichel, Taibi was the first, his 4.5 million price tag was never justified and he will always be remembered for conceding this goal.
Ferguson then brought back the cocaine user Mark Bosnich, 10 years on since his last signing, although again, this ended in disaster, a personality clash with Sir Alex lead the Aussie to make a swift exit from Manchester.
Fergie’s next try was a little more successful, French international and renowned goalkeeper Fabien Barthez arrived for the fee of 7.8 million at the start of the 2000/2001 season. His arrival was much more successful, his performances led United to the title, their third in a row, and many thought Barthez was the man to fill the gloves of Schmeichel. However, the rest of Barthez’s time at United was plagued by his moments of madness, including performing step overs outside of his box and his risky kicks. For all the saves and moments of brilliance Barthez achieved at Old Trafford, he will probably be remembered for conceding this goal against West Ham.
During Barthez reign as United’s number 1, Fergie made perhaps two of his biggest goalkeeping blunders in the signings of Roy Carroll and Ricardo. Carroll was signed as an understudy to the French international, but often found himself between the sticks. I’m sure Tottenham fans will remember this one.
While Ricardo, who was tipped to challenge Barthez for his number one jersey, made only five appearances before being shipped out on loan.
The departure of Barthez in 2003 coincided with United’s longest streak without a Premier League title, Fergie opted for the unknown American goalkeeper Tim Howard to replace Barthez, and United weren’t to win the league again until the 2006/2007, which was the second year of Edwin Van Der Sar’s reign as United’s number 1. After 6 attempts, Fergie finally got the man to replace the Great Dane, the former Fulham man’s signing and United career coincided with 4 Premier League titles, 3 league cups, 4 Charity (community) Shields and of course the Champions League in 2008. Fergie described Van Der Sar as the best goalkeeper to play for the club since Schmeichel.
Following Van Der Sar’s retirement at the end of last season Fergie replaced him with 20-year-old Spaniard David De Gea. A goalkeeper with huge potential, but was blamed for the two goals conceded in Sunday’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City. Some are claiming he will be United’s weak link this season, but only time will tell if they prove to be right or if Fergie’s got it right first time around. My money’s on the latter.
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