David De Gea

During this week’s Can They Score podcast, we look back at the disappointing 2-2 draw in the FA Cup against Chelsea. We look at what went wrong after such a promising start, praising Benitez, questioning Sir Alex’s substitutions once again and looking at Wayne Rooney’s attitude. After that we talk Qatar, De Gea, Ferdinand’s immaturity and preview the weekend’s match against manager- less Reading. Joining me in the studio is Jonas and Frenchy.

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We’re back! After a prolonged break, the Can They Score podcast is once again out this week as we look back at our start to 2013 and look ahead to what February holds for the Red Devils. Upon our return, we’re going to look back at the January transfer window, our form, Beckham’s golden locks, Ronaldo’s shooting boots and small matter of the Real Madrid tie next Wednesday. We’ll also be wondering how Sir Alex will approach Sunday’s match against Everton and look back at Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s time at Old Trafford during Red Recall. Joining me in the studio is Frenchy and Jonas.

The times when Old Trafford an automatic first choice keeper are currently a thing of the past. Recently, Peter Schmeichel (1991-1999, 398 appearances) and Edwin van der Sar (2005-2011, 266 appearances) made the spot their own and were outstanding amongst the sticks, amassing a wealthy collection of silverware in the process. ‘The Great Dane’ and ‘The Quiet Dutchman’ were true-leaders on and off the pitch even though they had completely different characters. Whereas Schmeichel imposed his physique over his rivals in the box and had a penchant for making ‘impossible’ saves, Van de Sar commanded the back-four by using his experience and intelligence, ‘Mr. Reliable’ was always at the right place and almost never made a mistake.

In addition, both legends enjoyed the tranquility of decent cover behind them when they missed the odd game. Raimond van der Gouw was Schmeichel’s understudy for several seasons, while Tomasz Kuszczak and Ben Foster played second fiddle to Van der Sar over a number of years. However, neither were ever deemed good enough by Sir Alex Ferguson to inherit such a pivotal position in the squad and ultimately were either sold or release. On the other hand, between 1999 and 2005 a breed of goalkeeper tried to consolidate themselves as United’s #1 but none of them possessed the attributes to do so. Mark Bosnich, Fabien Barthez, Tim Howard, Roy Carroll and bizarre signings such as Massimo Taibi and Ricardo López all failed to make an impact.

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Sir Alex Ferguson’s policy of rotating his goalkeepers has led not so much to controversy but consensus in the goalkeeping world. Friends and colleagues of mine – professional goalkeepers and goalkeeper coaches – all seem to feel it’s a mistake, that the only way to go is pick one keeper and stick with him (De Gea is the overwhelming favourite among this group, though Lindegaard does have his supporters).

I shared this opinion through the early stages of the season, and felt De Gea was being harshly punished for a single mistake against Fulham which could be argued was a foul. I worried, as did others, that De Gea’s confidence could be badly affected by being dropped.

But because Sir Alex has tended to know what he’s doing over the years, I’ve re-thought this in recent weeks, and can see the possible benefits of rotation – at least short-term.

Some Spanish journalists and coaches seem to feel that De Gea, far from being mentally fragile, tends to become comfortable and casual a bit too readily, taking unnecessary risks in games and losing focus. While dropping him for one mistake is indeed harsh, if nothing else it will have demonstrated to him that playing for United is Very Serious Business.

By the same token, it has rewarded Lindegaard for hard work in training (according to Eric Steele) and good performances in the reserves. This kind of competitive dynamic in training can only be a good thing. Any goalkeeper coach would love his charges to be competing furiously for the number one shirt. It makes for committed, spirited training sessions, which both De Gea (young) and Lindegaard (not many games for his age) need.

The other potential benefit of rotation is a simple lessening of pressure that comes from fewer games. A full season’s huge fixture list can be mentally daunting, even for keepers who protest that they want to play every game. Playing for United means every point matters. For a pair of keepers still finding their footing in the Premier League, rotation means every game is an opportunity to impress, rather than just another in a long slog of a season.

Now, having said all that….I’m still a skeptic. My worry is something that manifested in De Gea’s last league appearance, away to Newcastle. Clearly aware that the main concern about him is his ability to deal with crosses, he was far too eager to impress, and came charging off his line for several balls he had no business dealing with. This is the downside to a goalkeeper being forced to audition for his job every game. It is a reactive, rather than proactive, position, and a United keeper, especially, has to be content to stay in the background when not called upon. This basic job requirement is in direct conflict with a keeper too eager to make his mark.

It may simply be that Sir Alex is waiting for one of the two to play so well that he has no choice but to put an end to rotation. But then, it’s hard to play exceptionally well while being rotated. My money is still on De Gea long-term – his issues with crosses can be sorted out with better decision-making – but we may not have a clear resolution for quite some time.

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“David de Gea is making good strides in goal. He’s learning, he wants to be a better keeper and that’s vital…” @RioFerdy5

There are many theories around which try to rationalise the Spaniard’s ability to deal with high balls but one thing that has never been in doubt is his shot-stopping ability, this video shows why.

Listen to this week’s podcast where we talk about the goalkeeping conundrum further here or via iTunes:

This video was created by @AntonAlfy and is from his YouTube page here.

Last week, our back four was seriously at fault as Spurs cut through our defence like a hot knife through butter. This week, they turned it around and delivered a clean sheet which brought with it our first victory at St James Park since March 2009.

Amazingly, they did not just reply with a clean sheet but they also produced goals from Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra as the Red Devils took advantage of the Toon’s disorganisation at set pieces. Overall, it was an exciting display from the team as a whole who pleased Sir Alex with their play.

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Following a slightly hysterical baptism-by-tabloid, David de Gea has removed all doubt about his ability and potential. He is still only twenty, of course, and has lessons to learn, but after each performance, hacks like James Ducker of the Times and Patrick Barclay will increasingly wish they hadn’t gone for the easy joke at the young Spaniard’s expense.

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So one game down and another engaging 37 to go as we seek a record 20th league title.

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There is an old saying that great teams are built upon the foundations of a formidable goalkeeper. Can you imagine, for example, the Manchester United of old being as successful without the presence of Peter Schmeichel or more latterly, Edwin Van Der Sar?

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While Manchester United fans around the globe are still coming to terms with the loss of one of the finest goalkeeper’s in our history, there is great reason to be optimistic about the future.

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