Manchester United’s greatest two goalkeepers have different ways of going about their business.
Peter Schmeichel will always be fondly remembered for his goalkeeping heroics in some of United’s greatest cup triumphs and league campaigns. For the star-jump saves, his physical presence, a Banks-esque stop against Rapid Vienna, the arguments with Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister and the way he tore into each and every one of his defenders and midfielders.
De Gea operates a little more serenely.
Ever since his arrival at United, in 2011, the Spaniard has got on with his business with the minimum of fuss. He has been United’s player of the year four seasons and is a firm fan favourite as well as being widely respected and liked by his teammates.
He very rarely loses the plot. Whether he has just conceded a goal, been sold short on a back pass or left hung out to dry by a defender before saving the day, you won’t often see De Gea tear into his teammates.
In an interview with Sky Sports’ Thierry Henry, De Gea revealed why he seems so placid in the midst of full-throttle football. He said:
“After a great save or a mistake by a defender I prefer not to shout on him, I prefer to wait and say it inside of the dressing room.
“I was always like that. I am relaxed, I try to be normal after a mistake, and when I make a mistake I don’t want people coming to me on the pitch shouting at me. So I try to do the same with my players, to give confidence to them. That’s it, it’s football, you have to make mistakes, it’s normal.”
Try telling that to the next goalkeeper that rips you a new one when you hash a clearance or lose your man at a set-piece.
