When Edwin van der Sar retired as the goalkeeper of Manchester United in the summer of 2011, a legacy came to an end. It was always going to be difficult to replace a goalkeeper of such pedigree. After much scouting, United identified David De Gea, a rookie goalkeeper who won theUEFA Europa League in 2010 with Atlético de Madrid and signed him for a record fee of £18.5 million.
Coming to Manchester United with big money tag and to fill such a huge gap was a tremendous challenge for any player, never mind the young Spanish keeper. He made his competitive debut for United against local rivals, Manchester City FC in the FA Community Shield. Although United won the match after a scintillating second half comeback, De Gea was at fault for both the goals conceded, especially the Edin Džeko’s shot which went under his arm. It did not end there. United’s first Premier league game of the campaign against West Bromwich Albion saw De Gea conceded another goal under silly circumstances. Press started claiming that De Gea’s size and slim frame would not suit the rigors of the Premier League.
But the performance which turned a few heads was the one against Stoke City Football Club at Brittania Stadium. He gave an assured performance. But that was followed by a Manchester derby disaster which saw United trounced by City. De Gea’s lowest point came in the match against relegation battlers Blackburn Rovers on New Year’s eve. De Gea was poor that day and he was blamed rightly for Blackburn’s winner. Subsequently he was dropped for the next 4 games and was replaced by Anders Lindegaard. However, Lindegaard’s injury handed the goalkeeping duties back to De Gea on the eve of the 4th round FA Cup match against Liverpool FC. It was another bad match for the Spaniard who was blamed for the opening goal by Daniel Agger.
The turning point for De Gea in his fledgling United career was against Chelsea Football Club at Stamford Bridge. De Gea gave a virtuoso performance and his reflexes were excellent. He made a lot of stunning saves, the best among the lot was denying Juan Mata’s freekick in injury time. United faltered against Atletic Club Bilbao in UEFA Europa League Round of 16 but everyone would agree upon the fact that if it were not for De Gea, the scoreline would have been even more embarrassing for United. He was no longer the shaky, unconvincing goalkeeper who was considered a liabilty.
His distribution has been excellent and it has aided United to initiate quick counter attacks. His shot-stopping ability is unquestionably brilliant. He is only 23 years of age but is already being compared to legends such as Van der sar or Schmeichel. But in seeing De Gea’s performances, the manner in which he has taken criticism by his stride and answering them on the pitch, the Old Trafford faithful can be extremely confident that they have already a goalkeeping legend in the making.
The Purple One Collectibles Singapore are pleased to offer for sale an on-card signed autograph card by David De Gea himself. It is the 4th card and is limited to only 45 cards worldwide! David De Gea signed this Futera autograph card on 18th December 2014 in Manchester, England.
This signed autograph card is one of a limited number released and as such, is a true collector's item.
Price: S$108 (or Best Offer)
Rarity level: 10/10⭐️
Potential value: 9/10⭐️
Content credits: Sportskeeda
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