Former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel wants Liverpool’s Pepe Reina at Manchester United
Peter Schmeichel, Manchester United’s all-time greatest keeper, wants to see Liverpool’s unsettled Pepe Reina at Old Trafford.
United’s current number-one keeper Edwin Van der Sar, who turned 40 recently, has been tipped to retire after the end of the season. There has been lot of speculation over this matter and a host of names have been mentioned as
his replacement.
The Spanish number 1 keeper is believed to be unsettled at Anfield after the departure of former manager Rafael Benitez to Inter Milan. Liverpool have not qualified for the Champions League this season and are lying in the mid-table
in the league.
This situation is thought to be unsettling for the Spanish shot-stopper. He wants to win trophies and championship medals. Manchester could be the ideal destination to achieve his dreams.
Reina has many admirers as he is considered to be one of the best keepers in the world. Peter Schmeichel is one of them. He believes that after the Dutch’s departure, United should sign someone like Pepe, and reckons that United
might bid for the player in January.
Schmeichel said: "I'm pretty sure they would go for someone like Reina, I'm pretty sure that's what they are trying to do, You can look at talent, you can look at young, good players, you don't want that, you want someone that
can go in straight away and give performances in 80 per cent of the games that the No.1 choice goalkeeper will play for Manchester United.”
The retired Danish footballer believes that the goalkeeping position has been a tricky position for United as many have come and gone in this department. As United look to win every competition they play in, they need an experienced
keeper who can instantly come in and perform 100% in each and every game. And Reina fits the bill perfectly. He is experienced and has performed under pressure for a long time.
He added: “The rumours are very, very strong around Old Trafford with this. A lot of goalkeepers are mentioned, but Reina seems to be the one that fits in the team and if he ever was to leave Liverpool, which again there is a big,
big rumour he will, Manchester United would be a great club for him to come to.”
Schmeichel hopes that Reina would welcome a move at Old Trafford after the retirement of Van der Sar, and if the rumours are correct and he comes here it would be great for the club.
During the 1990s, the Danish keeper was partly responsible for United’s success. During his time, United clinched a memorable treble in 1999 and became a real force to be reckoned with both in Europe and in England. After the Dane’s
departure, United struggled in the goalkeeping department. They signed many goalkeepers but no one could win the hearts of Red Devil fans. Only after the arrival of Van der Sar in 2005 from Fulham did United’s search for a world-class keeper end. Now that
he is 40, United begin searching for their next Schmeichel and Van der Sar.
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