Review United: Third Time Lucky For Spanish Gifted Stopper David De Gea

Ricardo, Piqué and De Gea are the only three Spaniards having ever played for Manchester United. The two first enjoyed mixed fortunes and although the latter has endured a tough time at Old Trafford so far, Sir Alex Ferguson and his staff still harbor big hopes on him to eventually become a worthy successor of Edwin Van Der Sar. Let’s see how things have fared for my fellow countrymen.

Goalkeeper Ricardo López Felipe signed in 2002 from Real Valladolid for £1.5 million. He went on to make five appearances for the Reds and two for his national team. Ricardo will be remembered for having conceded and subsequently saved a penalty in a crucial win 3-1 to Blackburn Rovers in his Premier League debut on the road to the title. He left the club in 2005 after seeing out his contract.

World Cup Winner central back Gerard Piqué Bernabéu signed for United as a trainee in 2004 from F.C. Barcelona’s youth system. He went on to make 23 appearances and played some part in the double winning 2007/2008 season. Below in the pecking order because of in-form partnership Ferdinand and Vidić, he left the club at the end of that season to return to his former club for £5 million.

Ferguson did not hesitate to splash out £17.6 million on a relatively inexperienced goalie from Atlético de Madrid called David De Gea Quintana. Similarly moulded as the great Dutchman, some errors have marred his life at United so far. However, the future is on his side, as the current Under-21 European champion boasts the composure and skill required to become a world class goalkeeper.