United’s Goalkeeping Jitters…
In sport, one man’s triumph is another’s disaster. A player’s injury lament is the secret reason for whoops of joy from a rival.
It may be unkind perhaps but is that how Tomasz Kuszczak might be feeling today?
The cruciate ligament injury which has stricken Ben Foster, just as the England goalkeeper was poised to inherit the number one position upon his return to Old Trafford, was to most observers a window of opportunity for United’s Polish-born number two stopper.
Kuszczak made 12 on-loan appearances for United last term. He will become a United player in July after his loan switch from West Brom is converted into a permanent deal. It gives the keeper more opportunities to impress the Old Trafford faithful and to put down a firm claim to the first team, in what may be Edwin Van Der Sar’s last year.
Kuszczak is already talking confidently of the future. “I think I’m ready to play for United and I plan to fight for my place and become the club’s No.1,” he said. “I feel there is a big chance for me to play and I want to fight - and win. My ambition was always to play in a big team and this is the biggest team in the world. I want people to know that I can do the job and want to do it.
“My chances for a place in the starting eleven will be higher as I already have the first and most difficult season behind me.”
Yet, before Foster’s injury, press reports imagined a different fate for the goalkeeper. Bizarrely, rumours were circulating that United intended to loan out the player once he had been signed permanently. The claim bears repeating. Sir Alex took the player on loan last year but became so disenchanted by his performances that a plan emerged to loan him to another team – Sunderland anyone? – after his permanent recruitment! Priceless!
Perhaps, the tale is too good to be true. The Pole added to its substance however by confirming that he too was aware of the loan plan.
“No loan deals will be considered,” he said. “My aim is to stay and fight for the right to be the first goalkeeper of Manchester United. I would like to play here till the end of my career. No other club can lure me away.”
For the sticksman’s dream to come true, he will have to show marked improvement, given that ‘Dracula’ Kuszczak clearly hates crosses and failed to command his penalty area when on first team duty.
Next season, opponents will have a simple game plan whenever Kuszczak’s name appears on the team sheet: Bombard the penalty area with high balls and hope for confusion and panic in the Red ranks.
Perhaps, the keeper needs a run of games to gain confidence but number two keepers are rarely afforded such luxury.
With Foster unavailable for close to nine months, United have no choice but to trust in Kuszczak. With Van Der Sar also searching for improved form, management and fans alike will be praying for swift reassurance from both that there will be no return to the goalkeeping jitters that have marked previous campaigns.
