Louis van Gaal says he was forced into signing goalkeeper Sergio Romero because of the uncertainty surrounding David de Gea, who could still leave Manchester United for Real Madrid, the coach said.
Madrid want to sign De Gea, but United insist they will do a deal with the 10-time European champions only if defender Sergio Ramos comes to the Premier League in return.
Although such a deal seems unlikely, particularly with Ramos having been named Madrid captain, the situation could change before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
Van Gaal set up a contingency plan by signing Romero to a three-season deal on a free transfer.
“I think that in our circumstances, with the threat that David de Gea is going to Real Madrid, we have to prepare our season and I think Sergio Romero can fulfil that because you have to handle very quickly when it may happen with David de Gea,” the United manager said.
Van Gaal knows Romero well: he signed the 28-year-old for AZ Alkmaar in 2007 and employed him as his No 1 for two seasons.
The pair crossed paths again last summer when Romero denied Van Gaal’s Netherlands a place in the World Cup final with his shoot-out heroics in Sao Paulo.
“He is a very good choice,” Van Gaal said. “He is the Argentinian goalkeeper. He has international experience.
“I saw him in the World Cup because he stopped our penalties very good and that is why we were not in the final, but I remember him especially from my former time and I know what he can do.
“He is a very dominating goalkeeper. His stature is also tall and he gives a lot of confidence to the players.
“Of course, he has to learn English because that is also a problem always with a foreigner. He is very good with his feet so he fits in our profile. I have a lot of confidence that he can fulfil what we are expecting.”
If De Gea stays, there is no guarantee Romero will get much playing time.
“I have of course spoken with Sergio and also with David and with me always the best shall be in the line-up so you have to fight and I think in a top club as Manchester United you need always competition,” Van Gaal said.
Romero, who was released by Sampdoria earlier this summer, said: “I am absolutely delighted to join Manchester United.
“To play for the biggest club in the world is a dream come true for me.”
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