One of the biggest expectations during the recently closed transfer window was for Manchester United to secure a top class goalkeeper in preparation for veteran Edwin van der Sar’s impending retirement. Those expectations were further increased when Sir Alex Ferguson was prepared to allow Ben Foster move to Birmingham City but to the surprise of many, a replacement failed to materialise with Sir Alex putting all his faith in his number two keeper Tomasz Kuszczak. It was interesting see a report in the Manchester Evening News therefore that the Poland international is now contemplating a move away from Old Trafford despite van der Sar getting closer with every game to hanging up his gloves.
This revelation must lead to speculation that Kuszczak could be aware of the wily Ferguson being in advanced negotiations to bring in a long term replacement for van der Sar in the January or at the latest, next summers transfer window. Unlike his almost spur of the moment recent acquisition of Bebe from Portugese third division football, Ferguson is renowned for doing plenty of homework before settling on a new player especially in a position which is so highly specialised.
Sir Alex has considered plenty of goalkeeper options in the last few months with highly regarded internationals Maarten Stekelenburg of Ajax, Schalke’s Manuel Neuer and Lyon’s Hugo Lloris among the many names suggested as targets in readiness for Van der Sar’s impending retirement.
Poland co-hosts Euro 2012 with the Ukraine and Kuszczak places a high priority on his international career especially in this tournament. “I want to play for my country and if you don’t get enough games you don’t get promoted to the national team” he told M.E.N. Sport “the key to the national team is to play more and more for your club and that is why I want more matches for United.”
“What I am looking for this season is more games in a row” Tomasz admitted “it is very important for me this season to do that. The European Championship in 2012 is in Poland and it is very important for me to be there and play for my country” he explained “It happens once in about 20 or 30 years that a competition like this is in your country so I am going to do everything to be in this tournament. I have to play regularly at club level and play well if I am to be in that squad”
None of that changes the 28 year olds focus on his immediate task however. He will be given the second outing in eight days at Scunthorpe in the Carling Cup third round. Ferguson rested van der Sar in the Champions League match against Rangers last week and handed Kuszczak his first start since last February’s Carling Cup final.
Does it look like a new goalkeeper could be on the way to Old Trafford?
Why dont you go for Joe Hart!! Will someone tell Casillas that you can only afford big issue sellers and that the rags should stop sniffing Macaris vinegar on matchday….i mean the little P is going to score 40 goals this season and win us the league and all the cups they said hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
I have to say I always rated Kuszczack. I know many don’t but he is a decent shop stopper with a good presence. We definitely need another keeper with Edwin approaching the twilight of his career. Matt the Mouth – your a twat mate!
Stekelenburg, Neuer and Lloris are quality, but I’d go for Igor Akinfeev of CSKA Moscow. Can’t believe he’s still in Russia an no big team has grabbed him yet.