Manchester United for so long struggled to find a suitable replacement for Peter Schmeichel in the early 2000's and several pretenders, many of whom make this list, tried and failed to emulate the Dane. But in 2005, Sir Alex Ferguson finally cracked it when Edwin van der Saar moved from Fulham for just £2 million - a paltry fee in hindsight. Van der Saar at long last gave United composure between the sticks and put in a series of world class performances during his six-year stay at Old Trafford. Considered by most professionals as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, the former Ajax and Juventus man was pivotal in United's winning of the Champions League in 2008, crucially saving Nicolas Anelka's penalty. The Dutchman was voted UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year in 2009 as a result and still holds the record for the number of consecutive clean sheets (11 games) two years on from his retirement. Van der Saar also broke the record for going the longest without conceding a goal at 1,311 minutes while he enjoyed a glittering career at United that saw him win four Premierships. He was class through and though and if successor David de Gea can step into his shoes, United won't endure a similar problem in replacing Schmeichel over the coming seasons.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
