Manuel Neuer, 24-year-old German goalkeeper, has dampened any talks of a transfer ahead of Germany’s World Cup semi final clash with Spain.
Sky Sports News reported that a host of European clubs, including Manchester United, have been linked with the young Shalke shot-stopper in light of Germany’s impressive route through to the latter stages of the tournament.
“I will definitely stay in the Bundesliga. I have a contract until 2012 and I am not going to comment on any rumours at this stage.”
With Shalke in the Champions League next season Neuer may be wise to remain in Germany but if an offer was tabled from Bayern (who have been interested since 2008) or United, for example, it would be difficult to resist. The question is also how much has Neuer really impressed at this World Cup? The likes of Lahm, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Ozil, Mueller, and Klose have certainly caught headlines for the right reasons and Germany’s offensive play has been superb. What’s gained a lot less publicity is just how well the forward quartet aid the defensive aspect of the team’s play (Ozil less so due to his free role); the match against Argentina highlighted this as Mueller and Podolski dropped back to create two banks of four when without the ball (although Heinze and Otamendi did not try and peg them back on the flanks). Defending as a unit so well has shielded Germany’s centre backs and, subsequently, Neuer.
This isn’t to say the 24-year-old hasn’t been good but I would never have considered him a standout performer for Germany in comparison to how good the above players have been. His club performances have garnered attention, especially his 2008 heroics against Porto in the Champions League. He has gained a wealth of experience at a young age and it can only be healthily supplemented by an impressive World Cup run. Even discounting Germany’s performances, considering the age of United’s current no. 1, he is definitely worth an enquiry.
What do United fans think? Are there better alternatives or is Neuer a feasible option?
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