Alex Ferguson reveals why he signed De Gea over Manuel Neuer

– Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he wanted Manuel Neuer to replace Edwin Van Der Sar

– Fergie eventually opted for David De Gea because of one man; Eric Steele, a goalkeeping coach 

– De Gea arrived Manchester United in 2011 for a fee around £17.8 million from Atletico Madrid

Ex-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says his first choice to replace the retiring Edwin Van Der Sar in 2011 was Manuel Neuer but a club scout convinced him to change his mind.

Manuel Neuer during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Round of 16 match between Germany and Algeria.

United eventually signed David De Gea from Atletico Madrid in 2011 with the Spaniard becoming one of the best goalies in the world during that time.

Neuer, who was then at Schalke before joining current club Bayern Munich, was close to joining Man Utd but goalkeeping coach Eric Steele convinced Ferguson to ditch the German for the Spaniard who was younger.

Ferguson told the story of the whole saga to Manchester Evening news.

“Eric Steele had been scouting David De Gea for quite a while, but then Neuer came on the scene at Schalke,” he said.

“I think Schalke would’ve been happy if we’d have gone and taken him.”

Ferguson added: “My problem was Eric, because he was adamant that we must take De Gea. I said ‘but Eric, the boy Neuer is the complete unit – he’s mature, his physique is unbelievable’, and he says ‘yes, but in three years’ time, De Gea will be better’.”

Fergie replied, “that’s a statement”, and the key proved to be a subsequent scouting trip to Spain.

De Gea

“Eric and I went out to watch him against Valencia away, and the things he’d been speaking about – his agility, his confidence, his speed – were evident. 

“Eric had been building a relationship with his parents and was so adamant, that I had to trust him. I’m glad I did, because he was right.”

Neuer was a 2014 Ballon d’Or finalist in and has been widely credited for redefining the game of modern goalkeeping over the last few years.

Neuer’s form has been a little erratic of late, while De Gea seems to be getting better and better with each passing week.