Soccer: Champions League: Neuer earns respect from United

Salman Zahoor April 27, 2011 0

Soccer: Champions League: Neuer earns respect from United

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany: Schalke 04 were humiliated by Manchester United in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League 2011 semi-final but their goal keeper Manuel Neuer was the one man who earned the respect of not only his opponents but also the world soccer fans.

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manuel Neuer. Courtesy: Getty Images

Manuel Neuer saved at least seven chances which could have easily been goals against any other goalkeeper but the German was a little too good for the Manchester United for a better of the match. Just a lapse of concentration saw Manchester United scoring two goals as Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney gave Red Devils the lead the wanted at Gelsenkirchen.

Despite of the loss, Neuer won praise by none other than Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson who also showed his interest in having him as his team’s goal-guard.

Manuel Neuer, Edwin van der Sar. Courtesy: AP PHOTO

However, Neuer has already made up his mind to join Bayern Munick as the goalkeeper announced last week that he is going to leave the club he got associated with from the age of five years at the end of the current season.

Reportedly, Bayern Munich has expressed in the gutsy goalkeeper who has got a superb technique. Manchester United are also in search of a goalkeeper since Edwin van der Sar is retiring in May.

Manuel Neuer, Ryan Giggs, Christoph Metzelder. Courtesy: AP PHOTO

Ferguson was quite aware of the Bayern offer to Neuer when he was asked about whether he was thinking about acquiring the Schalke goalie as he said, “I think we know that (he will join Bayern), we know that for sure.”

Sir Alex Ferguson is not setting his eyes on Atletico Madrid’s David De Gea who has shown a good firm.

Manuel Neuer. Courtesy: AP PHOTO

“When Hernandez scored and he was offside I think that told the players they could beat this keeper,” Ferguson joked. He said, “I think in my time at United this was the finest display of goalkeeping against us. I’m sure there were other feats but tonight we saw a very good one.”