Despite an inconsistent season for Manchester United, their fourth-placed finish marked a job well done as they secured a return to the Champions League after a year’s absence.

At the heart of their success this season, and a big factor in the final league position was Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea who once again was the stand out performer for the Red Devils.

A host of fine displays coupled with some superb saves have proved decisive over the course of the season, and he has certainly contributed to a vital amount of points for his team.

Unfortunately for United however, it seems increasingly likely that De Gea may well have played his last game for the club, and with Real Madrid intent on signing the goalkeeper this summer he’s widely expected to return to the Spanish capital sooner rather than later.

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With this in mind, Louis van Gaal’s side have been linked with a number of goalkeepers in recent weeks with speculation mounting over who may take over as Old Trafford’s number one.

But one man who could well do just that is already at the club, and if Sunday’s performance is anything to go by; Victor Valdes could be the answer to United’s goalkeeping dilemma.

Last weekend’s goalless draw at Hull saw Valdes pick up his first clean sheet after waiting patiently for his full United debut since his arrival back in January.

Having fully recovered from a serious cruciate injury he suffered last March, the 33-year-old will be intent on getting his career back on track and has to be considered as a leading contender to replace De Gea. 

He did look shaky in the air, failing to deal comfortably with a few crosses during Sunday’s game, but his saves ensured United left with a point and showed just what a good shot stopper he is.

And if it’s experience Van Gaal is after, then he needn’t look any further than his current number two.

Valdes has been capped 20 times by Spain in his career, and had it not been for Iker Casillas; that figure would be a lot higher.

Since his debut for Barcelona in 2002, he went onto become an influential part of a side that dominated Europe over the next decade as he won 21 major titles for the Catalan giants.

Having helped Barca to three Champions League titles while at the Nou Camp; two against United themselves, he has more than proved his ability to compete at the highest level, and this experience could be pivotal to the Red Devils next season.

A full pre-season will stand him good stead, and he surely deserves a shot at filling the role of first choice at Old Trafford should De Gea’s move go ahead.

Van Gaal certainly has a big decision to make over who will fill the net going forward, but it wouldn’t be the worst idea were he to stick with Valdes and give him the whole season to prove he has what it takes.

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