The concept of a ‘cup goalkeeper’ has been around for a few seasons now.
When done correctly, it’s a good way for an elite club to keep a second choice of the correct standard happy.
The dilemma for managers comes when the business end of those competitions approaches the temptation to reinstate their number one intensifies.
Wembley woes
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave in to that temptation in the three semi-final clashes United have had this season – a two-legged EFL Cup clash with Manchester City and the Wembley meeting with Chelsea.
It didn’t stop United losing to City and backfired badly last month against the Blues.
Reds need no reminding about what happened that day.
De Gea was slow to get to Olivier Giroud’s opener, before letting Mason Mount’s timid shot squirm under him early in the second half.
There were failings elsewhere that day, but Solskjaer’s selection went a long way to costing United a meeting with Arsenal in the final.
Romero deserves it
As United gear up for yet another semi-final, Solskjaer must learn from his mistakes.
At present, Sergio Romero is actually the more reliable goalkeeper.
Making a change would only put the limelight back on de Gea. Romero hasn’t put a foot wrong this season and deserves to keep the gloves on Sunday night.
Romero gives a quiet confidence to the defence. Jose Mourinho played him throughout the successful 2017 Europa League campaign and the Argentine didn’t let him down.
Solskjaer must resist any temptation to bring de Gea back in.
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