Here is a list of Manchester United’s greatest-ever goalkeepers, ranked from worst to best, brought to you by United in Focus.
Manchester United have had some excellent shot-stoppers in the club’s history that have protected the goals at Old Trafford over the years.
A reliable keeper has always been the starting block in the foundations of success for the Red Devils. The men between the sticks have often been the unsung heroes of countless victories, and have been catalysts for securing trophies galore around Carrington.
That being said – the best deserve a shoutout. So, with this, here are the top 10 Manchester United goalkeepers of all time.
10 – Fabian Barthez
Fabian Barthez is a seriously controversial choice, but just makes the cut for one of Manchester United’s best goalkeepers ever. Signed in 2000, he brought his stellar shot-stopping ability and unique charisma to Old Trafford, helping the team secure the Premier League title in his debut season.
His agility and reflexes made him a fan favourite, but occasional errors led to moments of sheer frustration. Barthez still had a decent career with the Red Devils, even winning the FA Cup in 2003. However, his sheer inconsistencies ultimately led to him being replaced in 2004.
9 – Sergio Romero
Despite limited playing time due to David de Gea’s presence, Sergio Romero displayed consistency and professionalism whenever called upon. His standout performances, particularly in cup runs, earned him respect among fans and teammates alike.
The Argentinian finished with a quite ridiculous 73% win ratio in red. It seems ludicrous to have someone in the best goalkeepers ever who only played 63 games, but Romero just oozed class. It’s safe to say if de Gea wasn’t at the club, or Romero simply played a few more matches – he’d be a lot higher on this list.
8 – Reg Allen
Reg Allen transferred to Manchester United from QPR on the 6th of June 1950 for £11,000, which was then a world-record fee. It wasn’t a surprise, given he was one of the best goalkeepers in England, if not the world.
While his time at United didn’t yield major silverware, he was still one of the main attractions in Manchester United’s first-team squad. He only played in red for two years, which means he cant obtain any higher than eighth in our books.
7 – Gary Bailey
After Alex Stepney departed Manchester United, it was a worry for the Red Devils as to who could possibly replace his brilliance. Well, that’s where Gary Bailey came in.
He played a pivotal role in United’s success throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, including two FA Cup triumphs in 1983 and 1985. Bailey’s time at United was characterized by his reliability, earning him a lasting place in the hearts of supporters.
6 – Harry Moger
Harry Moger, though not as celebrated as some of the club’s other goalkeeping legends, should be remembered as a vital goalkeeper for the Red Devils when they needed most.
His tenure spanned from 1903 to 1912, a period marked by Manchester United’s growth and establishment as a football club. He made 264 appearances and helped United to the Football League titles in 1907-08 and 1910-11, while also securing the FA Cup in 1909.
5 – Harry Gregg
The “Hero of Munich” has to make our top five – it’s Harry Gregg. He was given this nickname because he pulled some of his teammates from the burning plane during the Munich air disaster, including Sir Bobby Charlton.
But it wasn’t just his off-field heroics that wielded him as a legend between the sticks. Gregg is widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation, having even been voted as the best goalkeeper at the 1958 World Cup, ahead of the legendary Lev Yashin.
4 – David de Gea
David de Gea is a Manchester United legend and a hell of a keeper. Joining in 2011, de Gea went on to amass over 500 games for the Red Devils, winning the Player of the Year Award a record four times.
He was eventually axed in 2023 by Erik ten Hag to make way for the incoming Andre Onana, but the Spaniard will forever be remembered as one of the best-ever shot-stoppers to put on the United jersey.
3 – Alex Stepney
Alex Stepney was simply a sensational goalkeeper for Manchester United. He served from 1966 to 1978 and was a part of the first United side to ever win the European Cup. He made a total of 539 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions, winning numerous trophies.
Stepney played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s success, winning the First Division title in the 1966-67 season and the European Cup in 1968, famously saving a penalty in the final against Benfica.
He also has the infamous moment when Portuguese icon, Eusebio, patted him on the back following a sensational save. The stuff of legends.
2 – Edwin van der Sar
Just missing out on the top spot, it’s Edwin van der Sar. Signed in 2005 from Fulham, van der Sar quickly became a stalwart presence between the posts, earning plaudits for his shot-stopping ability, calmness under pressure, and superb distribution.
During his time at Old Trafford, van der Sar played a pivotal role in United’s success, helping the team secure multiple Premier League titles, League Cups, and the prestigious Champions League.
1 – Peter Schmeichel
The best Manchester United goalkeeper of all time is none other than Peter Schmeichel. The Danish shot-stopper was nothing short of sensational for the Red Devils, and his tenure can be summed up by his trophy cabinet.
During his eight years at United, he played a pivotal role in the club’s dominance both domestically and in Europe, winning five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and the Champions League in 1999. The Great Dane tops our list, and we’re not sure there will ever be any better.
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