Ralf Rangnick compares Manchester United ace David de Gea to Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer
Speaking to the club’s official website, Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick revealed that David de Gea and Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer are arguably in the Top 3 goalkeepers in the world.
The last 18 months have been a topsy-turvy ride for De Gea. The 31-year-old was not at his best last season and had to share substantial game-time with Dean Henderson. The Englishman was also in line to start the current campaign, but he contracted the Covid-19 disease. This enabled the former Atletico Madrid ace to start the season, and it has been justified.
Although Man United have not been able to keep a lot of clean sheets, the Spanish international’s heroics have saved us valuable points. Ralf Rangnick has also been pleased with his shot-stopper and has now compared him to his former disciple, Manuel Neuer.
The gaffer worked with the Bayern Munich star at Schalke, and the pair were also in the opposition during the 2011 UCL semi-final against the Red Devils. We won both legs comfortably, but Neuer had a good outing and has established himself as arguably the best ‘keeper in the world in the last decade.
“Well, I think they are both (Neuer and De Gea) definitely on the list of the top five goalkeepers in the world. Maybe even in the top three. They are both in fantastic shape, physically and, as well as on the line, when it’s about controlling the box, David De Gea is probably one of the best, if not the best, in the world, and we are very happy to have him.
“It is good to have someone like David in goal – a fantastic professional, a fantastic player, and it’s great to work with a player like him.”
Saving grace of the season
In all honesty, there are very few world-class players in the current squad. Amongst them, there are even fewer that have been consistent this season. To put things into perspective, without De Gea, we would be nowhere near competing for the Top 4, let alone finish top of our UCL group.
The Spaniard’s reflexes and positioning have helped us out quite a bit. Moreover, it is incredibly hard to do so when the defence in front of him has been changing constantly. The injury problems of Raphael Varane and the inconsistency of Harry Maguire have not helped either.
Despite all this, the Man United No 1 has gotten back to his very best. His ball distribution is perhaps something that can be improved, but that isn’t really something that is fundamental to being a very good goalkeeper. Similarly, Neuer has played a hand in winning countless Bundesliga titles, the 2014 World Cup, and 2 Champions League trophies.
More Manchester United News
- Jorge Mendes jets in to hold ‘crisis talks’ with Cristiano Ronaldo amidst potential Manchester United exit
- Transfer News: Manchester United want Anthony Elanga to seal loan move to Championship club
- Transfer News: Manchester United favourites to land Lazio ace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Thus, both keepers are playing at an incredibly high level and have done so for quite a while now. Rangnick, however, will only be concerned with his current shot-stopper, because securing a clean sheet in the upcoming games could be a huge boost for the club.
At 31, de Gea can still give us a number of years of service considering the shelf life of goalkeepers tends to be a bit longer. With Dean Henderson playing backup, this is one position we shouldn’t really be concerned about.
