He's a Keeper

If you were the long-time head honcho of one of the biggest football clubs in England with a position on the pitch to be filled, what would you do?

It's been, what, 8 months since the departure of previous Manchester United goalkeeping legend Edwin van der Sar (or better known as VDS) and still his position between the posts has yet to be taken. Not because United doesn't have any replacement, rather they are ripped between choices : One being the talented young goalie from out of the country, David De Gea, and the other import being Danish goalkeeper, Anders Lindegaard. Both are young, talented, and proven eager to play for the club, but how do they compare?

Anders Lindegaard

27; Denmark

Date of purchase : November 2010

Transfer fee : only Fergie and his gum knows

Track record before United : capped 4 Internationals with generally clean sheets

Track record after United (this season) : 6 clean sheets out of 7 appearances

David De Gea

21; Spain

Date of purchase : August 2011

Transfer fee : 2nd most expensive goalie after Gianluigi Buffon (wow)

Track record before United : 24 clean sheets out of the last 45 games at Atletico Madrid, International caps with Spain U-21

Track record after United (this season) : 23 goals conceded out of 18 appearances

I'm not going to write their track records in detail because I don't have the time or care, but in general it's easy to see the predicament that hangs over United's Sir. They are both obviously very capable and any one of the two would be an asset to any club, but who should be goalie numero uno?

De Gea hasn't had the easiest time since his debut, and the Mancs haven't exactly been kind to him either everytime he makes a blunder. Considering the act he has to follow that one's a given. But contrary to popular belief among the english football fans that don't keep tabs on La Liga, De Gea was actually a star at Atletico Madrid. In fact, he was probably one of the best which was why I cursed monkeys when I first heard United was going to sign him. He's young but he's very mature pitch-wise, you can see it in his confidence in the goal. A young skilled player that isn't afraid to play with the big boys - that's hard to find. 

I can't say much for Lindegaard though, because I've never paid much attention to him. He's always been in VDS' shadow and apparently he was off for sometime with an injury. But if I had to judge him by his recent shows this season I'd say he's not bad at all. Evidently he has a better United record but he hasn't had the same amount of appearances as De Gea so it wouldn't really be fair to compare them based on that, not to mention the fact that his games have been against slightly easier opponents - Norwich, Sunderland, Villa, Fulham, Wigan - compared to De Gea's who, as of now, is still Fergie's no. 1 choice.

Okay, so these two guys both know how to keep. Both of them are young but De Gea is way more younger than Lindegaard, which could either be his upperhand or downfall in the matter. I mean if United is looking for a long-term goalie then it's best to stick with De Gea. He's of worth and he still has a long future ahead. He's not had much of a hot season but I think people (especially the media) need to give the guy a break. He's just moved to a foreign country without being able to speak a word of english and not only does he have to adjust to the different style of play in the Premier but he also has to do it under the media scrutiny. In that sense he reminds me of Andy Carroll (big bucks has to equal big results!!!), except that Andy will always be an overpaid sloth no matter how you spin it. Anyways, De Gea just needs some time and better motivation. Maybe some food could help. 

It would probably be that simple if United weren't in a sticky situation at the moment. Obviously Lindegaard has had a more consistent run than De Gea, which is what they really need to keep up in the League. Fergie is sticking by his Spainiard's side, but if in the end they decide to go Danish I think De Gea won't have any trouble finding a new home ASAP if he would rather keep off the bench.

x Natasha