Who Are Manchester United’s Five Worst Goalkeepers In History?

Andre Onana was subject to another goalkeeping error during Manchester United’s Europa League Quarter Final against Lyon on Thursday night, unable to bat away the criticism from former United Player Nemanja Matic. Matic was quoted as saying Onana is “statistically one of the worst United goalkeepers in history”. Is that a fair statement from Matic, or is Onana being unfairly singled out here? Here is a look into five of the worst goalkeepers for Manchester United.

🚨 Nemanja Matic: “Onana said they’re way better than us? When you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United history, you need to take care what you’re talking about”.

“If it was Van der Sar, Schmeichel or de Gea saying that, ok… but Onana, he’s one of the worst”. pic.twitter.com/Tg55gVkjfa

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 9, 2025

Anders Lindegaard

Anders Lindegaard came from Norwegian side Aalesund FK, costing the red devils £3.5million. The shot stopper was first used as a backup and was thought to have the potential to replace the ageing Edwin Van Der Sar coming to the end of his career.

However, unfortunately for Lindegaard, his performances when called upon were not enough to convince Manchester United that he was the keeper to carry them into a new era. Subsequently, David De Gea was signed to lead the Red Devils forward, and it is fair to say De Gea didn’t disappoint.

Lindegaard made 29 appearances for Manchester United, including Sir Alex Ferguson’s last game in charge for the club, where he conceded five to West Bromwich Albion. In fairness to Lindegaard, he kept nine clean sheets whilst playing for the club, but also conceded 33 in the process.

Lindegaard certainly isn’t the worst goalkeeper United have had, but for the expectations people had of him, and how it turned out for him, he unfortunately isn’t one of the best Manchester United have had.

Mark Bosnich

Mark Bosnich was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in hopes of being able to replace Peter Schmeichel. The Australian played in 23 games for United, and conceded 21 goals for the side. He had a save Percentage of 70.4%, but it was Bosnich’s attitude that lost him his position at Old Trafford. Ferguson described Bosnich as “unprofessional”. The keeper reportedly turned up late to training multiple times, and was accused of overeating. Bosnich was also described as the club’s worst ever signing by legend Paul Scholes.

It was reported that Ferguson tried pulling out of the deal to sign the keeper for the second time. Bosnich was resigned by United in 1999, and it didn’t start well, as he was charged after performing a Nazi Salute to Tottenham fans after a game.

To top it off, Bosnich moved to Chelsea, where he was later found guilty by the FA for failing a drug test with traces of Cocaine.

Victor Valdes

Victor Valdes was a keeper with serious pedigree in the footballing world, and it was thought to be a serious coup for the Red Devils when the Spaniard was coming to Manchester.

Valdes had a good start to his time at Old Trafford, praised for his top performances in training and games.

Valdes earned himself a contract extension to at United, signing for one extra year. However, that decision would turn out to be a huge regret for the goalkeeper. Tension grew across the whole of United, with players growing increasingly frustrated with manager Louis Van Gaal and his training methods. Valdes was the only player at the club to speak out, earning himself a spot in the coach’s naughty list.

Van Gaal left Valdes out of his squad, stating that “he doesn’t follow our philosophy and there is no place for someone like that”.

Van Gaal then later accused Valdes of refusing to play with under 21s, something which the Spaniard categorically refused.

Valdes was pushed out the club, and then got himself a move to Belgian side Standard Leige on loan, making eight appearances before picking up an injury and returning to United, where he eventually left to English side Middlesbrough.

Ben Foster

Ben Foster came into United as a youngster, and although we are all now certainly aware of the “cycling gk,” surely no one was during his United Spell. Sir Alex Ferguson saw Foster as his prodigy, a keeper who he could make into his own, and give him the chance to claim the Number 1 spot at United.

Foster played backup to Van De Sar, and when the Dutchman was injured, Foster stepped in between the sticks to try and make a claim for the starting spot, but the young English keeper couldn’t convince Ferguson with his performances.

Foster has spoke out about his United spell, saying he “hated every second of it”.

He said: “ I didn’t enjoy it. I was nervous. I was petrified of making a mistake.

I look back at that person who played for United then, and its not me.”

Foster went on to have a great career, and although he wasn’t the worst to play for United, at the time he was held to such high regard by his manager, and wasn’t able to live up to the hype.

Massimo Taibi

Massimo Taibi may have been forgotten. He was brought in as a replacement for Mark Bosnich who was injured, and came for a big fee at the time of £4.5million.

Taibi managed to concede 11 goals in four games, and made an error in his game against Liverpool at Anfield, whilst also making an error against Southampton as Matt Le Tissier effortlessly put it through the legs of the keeper.

It never improved for Taibi, as his last ever game for the side was a 5-0 loss to Chelsea.

Let's take a look at the comparison between Manchester United's present and former goalkeepers 🧤 pic.twitter.com/CovZJLDIXP

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 9, 2025