Ordinarily, a Champions League semi-final at Old Trafford would not need any added significance. But tonight, with Man Utd 2-0 up from the away leg against an inconsistent and essentially inferior Schalke team, the focus will be on the away team's goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer. With the impending retirement of Edwin Van Der Sar, United are known to be looking for a top class replacement and Neuer, 25, fits the bill, being of the right age, Germany's established number one, and has already confirmed he will be departing the Veltins Arena this summer.
The sole hurdle remains the interest of Bayern München, also looking for a keeper after the hitherto considered promising Michael Rensing failed to live up to expectations and has been surpassed since by a succession of short-term replacements. The Bavarians' challenge will be compromised should they fail to reach the Champions League; they currently sit 3rd in the Bundesliga but are in a ding-dong battle with Hannover 96 to seal the final spot. In addition, Jupp Heynckes is thought to favour a Dutch goalkeeper in line with his attempts to bring in more of his countrymen, in order to satisfy the unsettled Arjen Robben. Maarten Stekelenburg of Ajax is the number one target for the incoming manager.
Should Herr Neuer manage to repeat his stellar performance of last week, do not be surprised to see him repeat those antics in front of the Stretford End in August.
Would be a superb signing. Arsenal have shown the folly of not having a top keeper.
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