As David de Gea’s time at Manchester United comes to an end, the question on everyone’s mind is who should replace him as the club’s new No.1 goalkeeper? De Gea has been a mainstay in the United team for over a decade, winning numerous titles and accolades during his time at the club. However, his form has dipped in recent years, and costly mistakes in key matches have led to suggestions that United need to look for a new goalkeeper to take over the reins.
One of the leading contenders to replace De Gea is Dean Henderson. The English goalkeeper spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Nottingham Forest and is expected to be sold on a permanent deal. Henderson has shown his quality in the past, impressing during his loan spells at Sheffield United, where he helped the Blades gain promotion to the Premier League. He is a confident shot-stopper with excellent distribution skills, and at 26 years old, he has his best years ahead of him.
Another option for United is Sam Johnstone. The 29-year-old goalkeeper has been impressive for West Bromwich Albion in the Championship, and he has been linked with a move back to Old Trafford. Johnstone is a reliable shot-stopper with excellent reflexes, and he is also comfortable with the ball at his feet. He may not have the same level of experience as some of the other candidates, but he could be a smart signing for United.
A more high-profile option for United is Jan Oblak. The Slovenian goalkeeper has been one of the best in the world for several years now, and he has been linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid. Oblak is a commanding presence in the penalty area, and he has excellent shot-stopping abilities. However, he would be an expensive signing, and it remains to be seen whether United would be willing to spend the necessary funds to bring him to Old Trafford.
Finally, United could also look to the youth academy for their next No.1 goalkeeper. The club has a history of producing top-quality goalkeepers, with the likes of De Gea and Edwin van der Sar coming through the ranks. The current crop of young United goalkeepers includes Matej Kovar, Nathan Bishop, and Paul Woolston, all of whom have shown promise in their early careers.
In conclusion, there are several options for Manchester United to consider as they look to replace David de Gea as their new No.1 goalkeeper. Whether they go for an experienced campaigner like Jan Oblak or look to their youth academy for the next star, United will need to make a wise choice to ensure they have a reliable and consistent presence in goal for the years to come.