Manchester United: The search for a new number one begins

With news of Edwin van der Sar’s impending end of season retirement, Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson now have the huge task of replacing the big Dutchman. Of course at the age of 40, the news has come as no shock, but there were no doubt many, including Sir Alex himself, hoping that Van der Sar would stick around for just one more season.

“Edwin will retire at the end of the season,” said Eric Steele, Manchester United’s goalkeeping coach. “It has been a mutual decision between the manager, the team and Edwin”.

And so with that, United must look forward. Although this time, they will be hoping to avoid the drama that was caused the last time a goalkeeper of such quality left Old Trafford – one Peter Schmeichel. They went through a number of different keepers, all of which proved they couldn’t cut it at the top level. In fact, it took them six years to find a replacement last time, when Van der Sar arrived from Fulham in 2005. So, whilst Fergie and his team are hard at work deciding on who to bring in, let’s take a look at some of the names that have been suggested as possible replacements for the big man.

René Adler (Bayer Leverkusen)

The 26-year-old German International is has been an impressive figure between the sticks for Leverkusen ever since making his Bundesliga debut back in 2007. Since then he has firmly established himself as his club’s number one, as well as securing himself a place in the German national team. Germany manager Joachim Löw had named Adler as his first choice for the World Cup in South Africa last year, but only a serious rib injury prevented him from taking part.

However, there is one thing that sets Adler apart from the other options, and that’s that he is, and always has been, a Manchester United supporter. And whilst many may also claim similar, it is actually reflected by a clause in Adler’s contract, as confirmed by Leverkusen director Wolfgang Holzhauser: “It is an escape clause with a difference, because it only refers to one club. If United offer a certain amount, we have to let René go.” That’s one reason that makes Adler many people’s favourite, with only a fee needing to be agreed.

Manuel Neuer (Schalke)

Another German, 24-year-old Schalke keeper Neuer has been with the club his whole career, progressing through the youth ranks into the first team. He replaced Frank Rost as Schalke’s number one at the age of just 20, and has been a regular for the club over for the past four years, demonstrating great strength, handling and reflexes that make him ideally suited to English football.

Having also progressed through every age group at youth international level, Neuer was called up for the senior squad in 2009 and went on to play every game for Germany at the 2010 World Cup. He has already proved that he has what it takes to cut it at the very highest level, making himself a very viable option for United.

David de Gea (Atlético Madrid)

A phenomenon reminiscent of current national team keeper Iker Casillas, the Atlético Madrid keeper has been first choice ever since making his debut as a talented 18-year-old. De Gea has starred for Atlético both in La Liga and throughout their run to the Europa League title in the 2009/10 season.

Many have compared De Gea’s style to that of Van der Sar; tall and commanding with sensational reflexes. The 20-year-old has also displayed an incredible maturity way beyond his years, making him one of, if not the best young goalkeeper in world football right now. However, he has said that he’d like to remain at Atlético despite United’s reported interest, added to the fact that the Spanish club would be incredibly reluctant to sell him anyway.

Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax)

The man who replaced Van der Sar as the current Dutch national team keeper, 28-year-old Stekelenburg could be the ideal option for United for a number of reasons. At 6’6”, he would bring the height and presence required to handle himself in the Premier League as well as possessing excellent shot stopping skills. Another valuable asset is his experience, something which may sway Sir Alex towards the Dutchman. He’s been the first pick at Ajax for a number of years, as well as featuring in last year’s World Cup final against Spain.

Something that may be even more appealing is the fact that his contract runs out in 2012, and it has been reported that he doesn’t want to sign a new contract at Ajax. Essentially, this means that he might be available at a much lower price than some of the other names mentioned, making his possible transfer exceptional value for money.

Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow)

The man perennially linked with Europe’s elite, 24-year-old Akinfeev is one of the most highly rated young keepers around. He’s another one of those that seems to have been around for ages, due to making their debut at a very young age; 17 in the Russian’s case. As well as being CSKA’s number one for the past eight seasons, he’s also been the main man for Russia for a number of years, amassing a total of 46 caps to date.

Akinfeev has attracted interest from a host of top clubs, especially with his performances in the Champions League and on the world stage, but his club aren’t exactly short of money and have had no real reason to sell. He’s also already paid very handsomely in Russia and has recently signed a new contract, making it even more difficult to prize him away from his homeland.

Who do you think should replace Edwin van der Sar as Manchester United’s number one? Comments welcome.

(photo via calvinchanphoto on Flickr)

David de Gea, Edwin Van der Sar, English Premier League, Goalkeepers, Igor Akinfeev, Maarten Stekelenburg, Manchester United, Manuel Neuer, Rene Adler