United shopping for a keeper

Manchester United are poised to go shopping for a goalkeeper this summer after announcing both Roy Carroll and Ricardo will leave the club on free transfers.

While Ricardo was an outcast almost from the moment he signed for United, Carroll was given several chances but was found wanting at Old Trafford, where the standard set by Peter Schmeichel continues to be the measure by which shot-stoppers are judged.

With Tim Howard still finding his feet in the English game, United seem certain to bid for a top-class keeper.

With Malcolm Glazer reportedly pledging £20million for signings, Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to make a new number one his priority.

Some likely candidates include:

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)

It is a wonder they do not consider Casillas a ‘galactico’ at Madrid, where his exploits have saved Real on countless occasions. Only turned 24 this month and yet has played six full seasons in the Madrid first team. Possibly out of United’s price range.

For: A superb shot stopper and the sort of brave goalkeeper Ferguson would surely admire.

Against: Would Madrid let him leave? Not likely.

Paul Robinson (Tottenham)

Looks set to be England’s number one for many years. Robinson has improved since joining Tottenham from Leeds last summer and now looks the complete goalkeeper. United have not had an English goalkeeper since Les Sealey briefly played for the club.

For: Would add another English element to the team, helping the team maintain their homegrown core. Hard to pick faults in Robinson.

Against: Could be pricey, with Tottenham having little good reason to let him go, other than a huge bid.

Sebastien Frey (Parma)

The French goalkeeper has been unable to dislodge former United keeper Fabien Barthez from his position in the national team, but Frey is highly regarded both in his homeland and Italy, where he has been consistently one of Serie A’s finest over several seasons. Now 25, he was a Cannes regular aged 17 and made his Inter Milan debut at 18. Having been at Parma for four years, the cash-strapped Serie A side could be forced to sell on the cheap this summer.

For: Wants a move to England. Young, but highly experienced at club level.

Against: Uncapped by his country, so can he be as good as his admirers say?

Jussi Jaaskelainen (Bolton)

The Finland keeper has been outstanding for Bolton since joining in 1998. Formerly an unsung hero, but Jaaskelainen is beginning to get the credit his performances merit now the Trotters have made a push for Europe. A giant of a man, whose physique is deceptive and a match for Schmeichel.

For: Based locally. Proven in the Premiership.

Against: Bolton would be loathe to lose him. Jaaskelainen also turns 30 in April.

Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough)

First linked to United in his Bradford days, Schwarzer has now been with Middlesbrough for almost eight years. The Australian has been a stalwart of the Boro team under Bryan Robson and now Steve McClaren, but he is 32 and arguably past his prime.

For: Rarely makes glaring errors.

Against: Not a long-term solution.

Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea)

The forgotten man at Stamford Bridge, now that Petr Cech is installed as Jose Mourinho’s first choice. Cudicini was largely reliable during his four years in the Chelsea team, but committed notable errors against Arsenal and Manchester United last season which convinced Mourinho to bring in Cech. Would surely relish first-team football at a club the size of United.

For: An outstanding shot-stopper, with a strong reputation in the Premiership.

Against: Like Schwarzer, Cudicini is also 32. Prone to the sort of mistakes which are scrutinised at United more than any other club.