Manchester United strengthen goalkeeping options with Sergio Romero

Manchester United have bolstered their goalkeeping options with the signing of Argentina international Sergio Romero on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old former Sampdoria keeper worked with United boss Louis van Gaal at AZ Alkmaar and will provide competition for Spanish stopper David de Gea, should the latter remain at Old Trafford.

Victor Valdes is set to be sold after refusing to play in the reserves last season while Sam Johnstone represents another option between the sticks.

Romero told United’s official website: “I am absolutely delighted to join Manchester United. To play for the biggest club in the world is a dream come true for me. Louis van Gaal is a fantastic manager and I cannot wait to get started on this new and exciting challenge in my career.”

Romero has featured 62 times for Argentina and played in the 2014 World Cup final, which the Albiceleste ultimately lost to Germany in Rio de Janeiro.

He made his senior club debut at Racing Club de Avellaneda in 2007 before moving to AZ and then on to Sampdoria. His performances for the Genoa-based outfit helped them secure promotion to Serie A in 2012 and he was sent to Monaco on loan for the 2013-14 campaign.

Dutch manager Van Gaal, under whom Romero celebrated an Eredivisie title win at AZ in 2009, said: "Sergio is a very talented goalkeeper.

“He was a young keeper during my time at AZ Alkmaar and I am delighted he is joining Manchester United.

“He had a fantastic World Cup last summer in Brazil, although that is something I have put to the back of my mind!

“He will be a great addition to the team and I am looking forward to working with him once again.”

Forced

However van Gaal has claimed he was forced into signing the goalkeeper because of the uncertainty surrounding David de Gea, who could still leave Manchester United for Real Madrid.

Madrid want to sign De Gea, but United insist they will only do a deal with the 10-time European champions if defender Sergio Ramos comes to Old Trafford in return.

Although such a deal seems unlikely at the moment, particularly with Ramos having been named Madrid captain recently, the situation could change before the transfer window shuts at 6pm on September 1st.

Van Gaal has therefore set up a contingency plan by signing Romero on a free transfer.

The Dutchman says it was only logical to sign the Argentinian on a three-year deal given De Gea’s future is still unresolved.

“I think that in our circumstances, with the threat that David de Gea is going to Real Madrid, we have to prepare our season and I think Sergio Romero can fulfil that because you have to handle very quickly when it may happen with David de Gea,” the United manager said.