Here, we look at the five best Manchester Unitedgoal keepersof all time.As we all know goalkeepers and defenders are probably some of the most underrated players in a football team. These players are also the first to be blamed for the losses their team suffers. These people are the ones who get their hands dirty.Manchester United has had their fair share of world class goal keepers. From the ever controversial Fabien Barthez to a fan favourite Peter Schmeichel, some of the most famous goal keepers have been a part of Manchester United.
#5 David De Gea (2011-)
18 months back, De Gea would not have made it into this list. But here he is now, one of the five best goal keepers United has ever had.
Despite having the shakiest of starts to his United career, David De Gea has grown to become on the of the most reliable and talented goal keepers United has ever had. His magnificent displays in the 2013-14 season earned him the United Player of the Season award.
The Spanish goalkeeper did the double as he received the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, voted for by the supporters, and the Players' Player of the Year prize for his impressive form this season
If he continues the good work and remains a Red devil, he could definitely top this list by the time he ends his career.
#4 Alex Stepney (1966-1978)
He joined United from Chelsea for a princely sum of 55000 pounds in September 1966. Though he was not the most spectacular of goal keepers for United , he was known for his reliability and composure in front of the goal and was lauded for his positional awareness and anticipation.
Matt Busby described him as the ‘Single most important factor’ behind the title winning 1966-67 season. He was also an integral member of the team that won the European Cup in 1968.
#3 Harry Gregg (19571966)
This Red Devil stood between the posts for United during the time period of 1957-1966. Even though he did not win any medals during his time at United, he is widely regarded as one of the best goal keepers Manchester United has ever had.
He was voted the best goalkeeper at the 1958 World Cup. He beat his closest competitor Lev Yashin by 478 votes to 122 votes.
Harry Gregg, is often called the "Hero of Munich" .He heroically pulled some of his teammates from the burning plane during the Munich air disaster including Bobby Charlton, Jackie Blanchflower, Dennis Violett and also Sir Matt Busby
#2 Edwin Van Der Sar (20052011)
He came to United as a relatively old footballer at 34 years of age. He proved all the people wrong who thought he was short term solution to a goal keeping problem that had been haunting United ever since Schmeichel hung up his gloves.
The Dutchman was a stellar performer for six years for the red side of Manchester and during those years proved what a big buy he was , as he had come to Manchester United for just 2 million pounds.
The best moment of his career would be the penalty save against Nicholas Anelka to give Manchester United the Champions League. He also became the oldest winner of the Premier League at the age of 40 years and 205 days.
#1 Peter Schmeichel (19911999)
Anyone who would have seen the title of this article could have guessed the person coming first.
Peter Schmeichel, a 6 foot 4 inch giant, stood between the posts for United during the 90s and is arguably the most complete goal keeper . He has overseen some of the best times for United as he stood, solid a rock between the posts.
He was known for his shot stopping, distribution, outstandingly mobililty and his perfect coolness in one-on-on situations.
His best moments were in 1999 when he stopped a Dennis Bergkamp penalty in the FA cup and also captained United in the Champions League final (Roy Keane missed out due to suspension).
Watch the video to find him scoring a goal for United. He once hit an overhead kick into the net, only for it to be ruled offside.Watch the overhead kick here.
