Manchester United have signed the former Barcelona Goal Keeper Victor Valdes on an 18 month contract. Valdes, who has been out contract since June 2014 after serving Barcelona for more than 12 years. Valdes has been training with Manchester United for last month-and-a-half to recover from his long sustained knee injury which marked the end of his Barcelona career.
After his Barcelona days, Valdes went to AS Monaco and was a certain to start for the French side but Valdes failed his medical and his move to the French League was denied at the very last moment. Van Gaal has previous working relations with Valdes from his early Barcelona days. Van Gaal was the manager who gave Valdes his first chance to play professional football at Barcelona.
Victor Valdes had a trophy laden career with Barcelona. Valdes won 6 La Liga titles, 3 UEFA Champions League titles, 2 Spanish Copa Del Ray and 2 FIFA Club World Cup. At times, Valdes was considered to be the eak link in a strong Barcelona setup. Perhaps it was fitting that Van Gaal, who gave Valdes his break in the game came to the rescue for his former player and now Valdes looks set to sign an 18 month contract with Manchester United.
Victor Valdes’s arrival would pose some questions about the future concerning David De Gea. Real Madrid have been quite vocal about signing the De Gea in the summer. Valdes coming in would mean a more tougher competition for De Gea in goal. Van Gaal’s move to sign Valdes is a very shrewd one. Van Gaal by signing is covering the De Gea story from all angles. If De Gea stays woth United, Van Gaal has asked De Gea to step up and fight for his #1 Spot as Manchester United Goal keeper. But if De Gea does leave for Real Madrid, Van Gaal would have an able deputy to guard United’s goal line.
Manchester United remain confident of tieing De Gea for a long term contract, however, Valdes’s arrival would push De Gea to stride for even greater levels than what he already has achieved this season. De Gea will need some rest during the course of season, as he has played every single match for Manchester United this season. This is where Valdes signing could be key for Manchester United’s season.
victor Valdes has signed an 18 Month contract with Manchester United and he could be eligible to play for Manchester United next sunday against Southampton, if Van Gaal decides to rest David De Gea, who played against Yeovil Town in the FA Cup.
Image Credits: metro.co.uk