Karl Darlow is a Manchester United player after signing as a free agent. Learn a little more about him.
New signing Karl Darlow is a name Manchester United fans will recognise, but how well do you really know him?
The new back-up goalkeeper arrives as back-up to Senne Lammens, and will wear the number 12 shirt.
Following on from our 11 facts about Youri Tielemans, here is a closer look at Karl Darlow, and there are numerous Manchester United connections…
Karl Darlow’s pro career helped by former Man Utd coach
Former Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele is a key reason why Karl Darlow made it as a professional.
Steele, who worked with both Peter Schmeichel and David de Gea, was working at Aston Villa when Darlow was coming through as a teenager.
After being left shocked when Villa released Darlow at 16, Steele recommended the goalkeeper to Nottingham Forest, where he went on to establish himself in the first team.
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Ryan Giggs snub
Karl Darlow was first asked to represent Wales in 2018 by former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs, who was in charge of the team at the time.
Darlow turned down the opportunity because he was focusing on his dream of playing for England, having been born in Northampton.
He later changed his mind, finally making his Wales debut in 2024.
Family connection
Darlow qualified to play for Wales because his grandfather was a former Welsh international.
Ken Leek represented Wales between 1960 and 1965. Darlow also followed in his footsteps by playing for Newcastle United.
Penalty hero
Karl Darlow became the first Premier League goalkeeper to save a penalty taken by Bruno Fernandes.
Darlow’s spot-kick save came in late 2020, in a game Manchester United won 4-1.
He has saved five penalties during his career, but may have used up his luck against Fernandes as he has not saved one since.
Fernandes scored a later penalty against Darlow in 2021.
Worked with a United legend
While he did not play under Ryan Giggs, Darlow worked with one of his former teammates, defensive legend Steve Bruce.
Darlow played 36 games under Bruce for Newcastle, keeping five clean sheets.
He did not play in Cristiano Ronaldo’s return game at Old Trafford, watching that 4-1 victory for United from the bench.
While at Newcastle, Darlow also played under former Red Devils assistant coach Steve McClaren.
Darlow’s Premier League debut ruined by United man
While Karl Darlow made his professional debut at 20, he did not make his first appearance in the Premier League until he was 25.
This came in a 1-0 away defeat for Newcastle against West Bromwich Albion, with current Manchester United youth coach Darren Fletcher scoring the winner for the Baggies.
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Winger connection
The teammate Darlow has played with in his career the most who previously played for Manchester United is winger Dan James.
Linking up during his previous spell at Leeds, the two players shared the pitch 28 times.
Double promotion winner
Karl Darlow has earned promotion from the Championship twice, with separate clubs – both times as champions.
Darlow was Newcastle’s starter in 2016/17 when they won promotion from the Championship under Rafa Benitez with 94 points.
He went even better with Leeds in 2024/25. The Whites earned promotion with a staggering 100 points.
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