OGS names one area where ‘no manager in world will beat me’

Matt Stead

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t believe “there’s any manager in the world” with a better “goalkeeping department” than his at Manchester United.

Solskjaer was asked about the future of David de Gea at his press conference on Friday, describing the Spaniard as “the best goalkeeper in the world”.

De Gea and United have been locked in negotiations for some time over a new deal, with his contract perhaps the most in need of renewal in the entire Premier League.

United are thought to have triggered an automatic one-year option to keep De Gea at the club until 2020 at least, but his demand to earn pay parity with highest earner Alexis Sanchez is proving problematic.

Solskjaer was quizzed on the situation, but used the chance to just brag about how mint Sergio Romero and Lee Grant are.

“No updates from me,” he said. “The club and David are in dialogue, hopefully they’ll agree. It’s out of my hands but I’m sure we’ll do what we can.

“David’s done fantastic since he came. The club really showed how much they wanted him back in the day when Eric and the gaffer found him.

“There were probably keepers there better at that time but the belief the manager showed in him with the criticism he got paid dividends.

“He’s been player of the year I don’t know how many years – we’re grateful to have him.

“Then again we’ve got Sergio and Lee, a fantastic goalkeeping department. I don’t think there’s any manager in the world who’ll beat me in that respect.”

Solskjaer was also asked to compare De Gea with Edwin van der Sar and Peter Schmeichel, two other keepers who were good at doing saves and stuff for United.

“It’s difficult to compare them, but Edwin and Peter were never player of the year,” he added.

“David’s won so many points for us over the years and I would say he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. Peter was at the time and Edwin at the time as well.

“I’m delighted with David and his personality is fantastic. Such a humble and confident boy.”