Surajit Das
Manchester United sent a scout to watch Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier
According to Dailymail, Manchester United sent goalkeeping scout Tony Coton to the Etihad Stadium to watch the performance of Illan Meslier against Manchester City. It remains to be seen what impression he made considering the Peacocks lost the game 7-0 on the day.
Illan Meslier has shown some positive performances for Leeds in the season. The French shot-stopper helped his team keep a clean sheet in 5 matches out of the 20 he featured in. Even though his stats and numbers aren’t anywhere near the Premier League’s top goalkeepers, at 21 years of age, becoming the first choice keeper of Marcelo Bielsa’s team is an achievement in itself.
United have been a long term admirer of Meslier. It is believed that around the scouting circle, the French starlet is known to be the best young keeper in the country. The Red Devils management has now wanted to get a closer look at the youngster themselves. It seems Ralf Rangnick’s team sent goalkeeping scout Tony Coton to watch the 21-year-old goalkeeper’s performance in the Leeds vs Manchester City clash.
United’s David De Gea has returned to his peak form and is in the race to become the best Red Devils player of the season. Even though Ralf Rangnick’s primary choice between the sticks is sorted out, the backup place remains a concern.
Second choice keeper Dean Henderson has been struggling with a lack of game time this season. It is believed that the British shot-stopper is eyeing a move away from Old Trafford amidst a lack of minutes. The Red Devils would be short of choices if the Englishman decides to leave.
Third choice keeper Tom Heaton is currently 35 years of age. Furthermore, his lack of top-flight experience could cause difficulty in big games.
On the other hand, this is the third season for Meslier in Leeds jersey, and he has fared pretty well. The French starlet has kept a clean sheet in 23 out of 66 appearances which is impressive considering the attacking football Leeds play, leaving spaces at the back to be defended by players that aren’t exactly the cream of the crop in English football.
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Meslier could be an understudy to de Gea at Old Trafford for now and once the Spaniard leaves, he could swoop in to become our main man in goal.
