David de Gea has had a fantastic season so far for Manchester United. In fact I’d go as far as to say he’s been their best performer in 2014/15 and is quickly establishing himself as one of the world’s finest goalkeepers.

So quite a few people have questioned why Man United would sign Victor Valdes and why the Spanish goalkeeper would join the English giants.

But for me, the signing makes a lot of sense for both parties.

Obviously for the reminder of this season Valdes will be seen more often than not on United’s bench, whilst De Gea performs his heroics in between the sticks. This shouldn’t greatly annoy Victor as he’s only just recovered from the anterior cruciate ligament injury that robbed him of his final months at Barcelona. To rush back into full time football could be folly and only set the Spaniard back.

At United for the next five months barring injury to De Gea, Valdes will get  few chances to play. He’ll probably get the opportunity to impress and continue his rehabilitation in the FA Cup, starting against Cambridge United in the Fourth Round seems likely.

It will be up to Valdes in these rare outings to show the world, not just United, that he is capable of maintaining the high standards he set himself during his golden twelve year stint at the Nou Camp.

In reality, it will be during the summer that will decide Victor Valdes long-term fate at Old Trafford.

As I’ve already stated David de Gea has been in scintillating form this campaign, actually ever since his nervy debut year in Manchester,  De Gea has been a stalwart for the ‘Red Devils’. But with such glowing performances comes admiring glances from other sides.

One side in particular seem intent in chasing the twenty-four year old Spanish international goalkeeper. That side is Real Madrid and as we know ‘Los Blancos’ usually get their man. United fans and board members will just need to look back at Real’s pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo for evidence of the Spanish clubs determination at signing the best at any cost. And with long-term regular Iker Casillas coming to the end of his glittering career it seems as though Real want David!

United’s situation with David de Gea is somewhat precarious as the goalie only has eighteen months left to run on his contract (the same length of deal as Valdes).

United boss Louis van Gaal believes that his current number one is close to inking a new deal. But the Dutchman and the Utd bigwigs will know that with Real Madrid in the fray that anything can now happen. So they need to protect themselves, should they be forced into selling De Gea in the summer.

The United coaching staff have had a good look at Valdes as he has been training with the club for the past few months. They must have been sufficiently impressed to sign him to his deal. To get a top quality keeper on a free is encouraging especially when you consider they spent so much cash last summer.

At thirty-two, Victor is still at a good age for a goalie. Edwin van der Sar proved when he was at Man United that age was never an issue and that you can still get better in your thirties.

This is also the first challenge Valdes has had outside of Barca and he’ll be determined to rise to that challenge. Yes he can make a few mistakes but you don’t win the medals he has by being sub-standard.

His purchase also means that he is one less target on the market for rivals Liverpool, who must be looking for a great keeper to come in and replace Simon Mignolet.

Obviously things will become a lot more clearer in the summer. By then David de Gea’s future will be determined. If he signs a new deal with the English Premier League side then Valdes will either stay for a season as number two or will be sold off to a team that can use him to better effect after he proves himself again in the next few months.

If De Gea were to leave for the Bernabeu then they’ll look at Victor Valdes as a ready made replacement who can come in and command instant respect.

So all in all this deal makes complete sense and shows forward thinking from both Manchester United and Victor Valdes.

Posted on January 12th, 2015 by scott
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