Manchester United have officially confirmed the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero.
The 28-year-old free agent has agreed a three-year deal with the club, and joined up with the rest of the squad on their pre-season tour of the US.
Good morning, Europe! While you were asleep, we signed Sergio Romero… http://t.co/veVu578Q7g #WelcomeRomero pic.twitter.com/czvBgJpQKz
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2015
United fans may be slightly concerned with Romero’s infamous reputation of being somewhat gaffe-prone. There is even a three-minute YouTube video highlighting his more comical mistakes.
However, he is also revered for his spot-kick heroics. Louis Van Gaal famously used Tim Krul as his shootout supersub during the World Cup, and he may have signed Romero for the same purpose.
Ajax’s Jasper Cillessen is favourite to replace David de Gea should the Spaniard leave – the very player Van Gaal would sub off for Krul when pens were imminent.
Ironically, it was Romero who eventually ended Van Gaal’s World Cup dream. He blocked two spot-kicks as Argentina overcame Holland in a semi-final shootout.
At the time, the Dutch manager bemoaned the fact that he had contributed to his own failure by teaching the agile Argentine everything he knows.
“I taught Romero how to stop penalties [at Alkmaar], so that hurts,” said Van Gaal. “We were the club to bring him to Europe. He was a big talent, and someone who has the qualities to do that.”
A year on, the stopper has an opportunity to make amends to his old mentor. Do not be surprised to see Romero warming up if United are ever facing stalemate deep into extra-time.
