Former Manchester United Coach Discloses Sir Alex Ferguson's Alternative Goalkeeper Targets
In a revealing interview, former Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele has shared that Sir Alex Ferguson considered signing Manuel Neuer or Hugo Lloris before ultimately acquiring David de Gea. This insight sheds new light on the club's strategic decisions during a pivotal transition period in 2011.
The Search for Edwin van der Sar's Successor
Manchester United faced the critical task of replacing legendary goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar in 2011. Eric Steele, who was part of Ferguson's coaching staff at Old Trafford, was entrusted with scouting potential successors across Europe. Steele meticulously evaluated numerous goalkeepers, traveling extensively to observe their performances firsthand.
The final shortlist included three top contenders: David de Gea from Atletico Madrid, Hugo Lloris, and Manuel Neuer. United eventually secured De Gea in a landmark £18.9 million transfer, making him the second most expensive goalkeeper in history at that time, behind only Gianluigi Buffon's £32.6 million move to Juventus in 2001.
Eric Steele's Scouting Mission and Ferguson's Trust
Speaking on the Talk of the Devils podcast, Steele recounted his intensive scouting process. "I didn't know anything about the money," he explained. "I just handed the brief over because by then I'd seen David live 17 times. But I'd also seen Lloris, Stekelenburg, I'd seen every No.1 in Europe. They used to know me at the airports."
Steele emphasized the confidentiality required during these missions, collaborating with the late Alan Hodgkinson to keep their targets secret. He recalled a memorable moment scouting De Gea during Atletico Madrid's semi-final against Liverpool at Anfield. "The game kicked off, I'll always remember, somebody got through inside right channel, typical David he stood up and saved it with his foot... I turned to Ray Clemence and said, 'I've seen enough', that was one minute into the game."
Sir Alex Ferguson's Decisive Role
Steele revealed that Ferguson ultimately trusted his recommendation, reflecting on the manager's previous goalkeeper transitions. "I think the manager, Sir Alex, has actually gone in and said 'in the end, I'll trust my goalkeeper coach', since I did an interview with him he said, 'I trust you because I tried and I didn't do so well did I from Schmeichel to Van der Sar'."
This decision proved historic, as De Gea went on to make 545 appearances for Manchester United before departing in 2023, cementing his legacy as one of the club's most significant signings under Ferguson's tenure.
