Ben Foster has had a difficult Manchester United career, with a string of injuries keeping out of the team before effectively blowing his big opportunity with the mistakes he made against the likes of City and Sunderland.
Rumours are rife that the English keeper is set to leave United but Sir Alex Ferguson seems keep on keeping him around.
“Ben’s unfortunate,” said Ferguson. “He has got fantastic talent, it’s just he made some mistakes earlier in the season. Tomasz Kusczcak got in and his form has been great. So what do I do? Pick Ben because he’s English or go with form? I have to go with form.”
Man Utd News 24/7
He had his chance at the begining of the season and was found wanting. Fell short of the standard required from a United keeper and did not take his opportunity.
He will be sold during the summer.
If what Gary Bailey said after watching Ben in training is true, if Ferguson decides
to give him another season to prove himself, I say go for it.
I don’t know if we’ve been spoiled by Schmeichel and VDS, but Foster doesn’t seem physically imposing enough to me.
It’s the one position where you can’t afford to give players chance after chance, as any mistake leads to a goal and potentially lost points. I really hope he comes good but i can see him doing a Scott Carson. Maybe it would be for the best to get him loaned out and get him some more games in the premier league.
along with Carrick and Gibson, Foster is one of those I am not too sure about at the moment..with a risk that someone gets upset here, it wont harm me if they are all gone next season.
I really wanted Ben to make it and help United move past Van Der Sar. It just couldn’t happen for him. In his case, maybe he might be better off if he played for a lower profile club.
I think he’s one of the best when it comes to shot stopping, which, I could also say about Kusczcak. Where they both differ from VDS is dealing with crosses and overall decision making.
The problem with lacking in the latter is the defense becomes unsure about what’s behind them and try to cover more.
His decision making has been bad when he did get chances. Seems flappy at times! Unless he is going to get a string of games to prove himself, we should loan him out preferably.
If he wants to play more, sell him. He makes basic mistakes. Kus is miles better than him. Just because he is english and wants to go the WC we cant compromise on that. We also have to look to the future. We need one back up keeper for VDS. Neuer is my choice but we have to act fats because bayern are interested in him too.
I dont normally dis United players, although Bens performance in the game against Man City reserves was fantastic,I am having my doubts about him not unlike Fabiansky or Almunia in my view.One more season and if you dont step up, ta ta.Anyhow I think in a underhand way he is Birmingham bound.Thanks for your efforts.
Anyone for a simple Joe! lol.
*fast*
Foster is one of the best keepers ive seen in about 10 year he’s by far englands best keeper at the moment when he’s on song , the guy just needs to download some confidence building exercises onto that wonderful ipod
Goodmorning fellow reds on RoM.
If i’m to be fair to all involved, kuzcack has been more patient, having been relegated to 3rd choice at the start of the season, at the time when foster was blowing his chances on a continous basis.
When the Pole finally got his chance, he did bring some much needed stability at the back in the absence of VDS.
By level of performance this season, kuz has been by far the better keeper btw himself and foster…mostly because his (kuz) ball distribution improved same as his confidence just started beefing up before the recovery of VDS.
Conclusively, i think foster has had his chance and has failed to take it, and so of the two, i will gladly let foster leave…as i dont think he can make it at united, as he keeps making fundamental errors that has cost us dearly, though i do feel he would be a much better keeper at a club of lesser profile as some noted earlieq.
His positioning and shot stopping isn’t quite up to standard. As 3rd choice keeper he could be replaced without much pain. Not getting near the world cup squad would be a turning point for him.
@GHTT, good morning to you. Can i add that he tries downloading that confidence at another club either on loan or permanent, as further chances for him in our team will cost us matches, and besides, the keepers actions generally builds or totally deflates a defence line. Thus, the consequence of such can amount to successive draws or defeats, which this club cannot afford to experience.
birmingham are been linked with foster this morning
If sir Alec goes with form then Foster is out the door a la Leighton,thank christ.
Shouldn’t sell him, give him another year. Guy clearly has talent but unfortunately when you fuck up as a keeper the mistakes are highlighted a lot more than any other position. He needs to grow a pair and ignore that he’s playing for Man United and just remember when he’s in goal he’s in charge, something Kuscazk has improved on.
Would Foster going on loan do us any good? He was fantastic at Watford on loan but really failed to deliver when playing for us. All players thrive on confidence but I just dont think his decision making or command of his area is good enough. I had high hopes for the lad and didnt much rate Kus for the same reasons but kus has improved a great deal in my opinion and has turned into a very capable understudy. I wouldnt be gutted if he became our number 1 after VDS leaves.
To reply to an earlier post – Yes, we have been spoilt by VDS and the Great Dane. Two of the best GK’s ever. Hard to replace, just like all great players.
Fergie did right by Foster, even after a few fuck ups he stuck with him, but he just couldn’t cut it out. Kuszcak came in and looked far better. Foster’s talented, but I doubt if he has the mentality to play for United.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=778378&sec=transfers&campaign=rss&source=soccernet
@ghtt, That should be the best for both parties and will aid the future progress of both united and foster.
Anyone heard of the news making rounds in the media this morning, the Virus to bid £20m for Evra…Are you having a laugh!!!
It’s pointless Foster going out on loan again, the lad needs first team football, so he should just move on, he’s to good to be on the bench, or playing in the reserves.
“….Pick Ben because he’s English or go with form? I have to go with form….”
Its statements like this that make Alec and his United Squad such hated figures by the “established” football community. He doesn’t play ball, if you get what I mean? Alec would sign a Saudi Striker named “Osama” and give him our number 9 without blinking if he thought the Player could do the job at United. Thats why he is loved as much as he is hated, he doesn’t give a FUCK.
Anyway, I can’t wait for the transfer market this Summer, just to see what everybody has planned, I think our squad is so good we don’t need many players, and I’d even be prepared to face next Season without bringing in ANYBODY new, because freak injuries notwithstanding, our squad was strong enough to win everything this year including Europe….
Everybody in the League will be weaker next year, even if Chelsea and City go out and buy the world, they will still need time to gel. But our Boys? Kiko back, Welbeck back, Hernandez, Owen, Diouf. Berbatov knowing its his last chance. Rooney back after the World Cup. Nani on fire, Valencia with his debut Season under his belt. Gibson looking for a bigger role. Fletcher growing in stature. Obertan wanting to score a Beauty at Anfield, Anderson wanting to prove his doubters wrong. Giggs and Scholes and Neville passing on jewels and bowing out with Grace. Fabio and Raphael becoming the new Neville Brothers, Evra dominating once again. Evans and Smalling stepping up to the Plate. Vidic and Rio solid as ever…. and im missing out a few players, but you get my point.
With our existing squad we are good enough, although we may lose one or two, and we may bring in one or two. I can’t wait till Summer so we all know how we’ll be lining up next Season. Can’t wait.
Give it to Kusczcak, he’s got the talent and he’s got a good head on his shoulders. Foster is undoubtedly talented but his nerve goes on the big occasion; difficult to knock that out of a goalkeeper. Either way, we can’t keep stringing these 2 along for another season, promising them everything and not making good on our promise. Sort the goalkeeping succession out now; or our rivals will sort it out for us!
Is that it??? 20 MIllion for Evra? hahaha, he’s worth 50 Million Easy. What other LB in the world has played as well as him this Season? I’ll help you….NO ONE.
The best part is Evra will never leave us, NEVER, he’ll be here like Neville and Rio, till we have to kick them out! Quality player, Great Servant, and he’d never leave for Madrid, in fact thanks to Ronaldo I don’t think another United player will leave for Madrid for a long time to come. Fucking Facists.
I feel for Foster a bit…
Every young keeper makes mistakes, it happens, it’s part of becoming a keeper. The trouble is, we watch football in an era where failure is unacceptable, particularly at United.
Going on loan will give the guy experience, but it won’t give him the big-game pressure of United that he needs to adapt to. I’d like to think he’ll get a fair chance next season, playing around half of the games as we ease into life after VDS, but I think it’s more likely Fergie will punt for a new established keeper in the summer instead.
Ben Foster was given a few chances even when he made a few mistakes by SAF.
He is talented but he didn’t take the chances presented to him unlike say Johnny Evans who was thrown right in to the mix. We all saw why Sunderland offered £10 million for him before he came back off loan. Perhaps Foster needs to go elsewhere to get experience. But I hope we give him another season because who knows when VDS is gonna hang up his boots.
i wanted it to work out for Foster, but it hasn’t worked out.
VDS has one more Season with us, Kusczcak has earned his no. 2 place, that only leaves square one for Foster, and like willierednut just said he’s too good to not be playing regular first team. Its wasted talent having him on our bench, and we know Alec prefers to let talent go.
I have said the exact same thing about Berbatov on this site. He’s too GOOD a player to be stuck on our bench trying to break into our team. Rather than grow old on our bench, Berba should be playing somewhere offering him first team football.
His mistakes might as well cost us the league (Think about the 2 points we shoulve got from SUnderland)
KJ – A bit harsh mate, what about the save from Van Persie at OT when we were 1 0 down.
I rate Foster highly but as some1s said i just dont think he’s got the temperament to play for UTD with all the expectation that goes wiv it…………it surprized me he didnt go out on loan in January….(why do we need 3 keepers, 3rd g/k should be a kid)…he’s 27 & his career hasnt got goin..which is shockin by anybodys standards…..we cant wait forever we should be looking at the france or the german keeper………..ther young but ther regular internationals………i like Kusczak but he’s not the answer.
I agree with all of you. I had high hope on Foster in the beginning of the season and Kusczcak being the third choice had little of my confidence. But after watching Foster play, i get shivers down my spine every time he gets the ball. Kusczcak does really well when he came in, it’s as though he is playing at the post for a long time. Kusczcak now has my confidence while Foster became third choice.
I feel that Foster consider England > United. So if he still thinks he wants England spot, then i suggest we let him leave. Kusczcak will be good for us.
i really want it to work for foster with the english/foreigner rule coming some…..i wouldnt sell him….send hm on loan for 2 yrs see if that sorts his head out….playing regulary & that should get him in the englang team…..it will all benefit him
@Gorse Hill Red
That is harsh harsh critism on Foster!
id have to class you in the brand of fickle fans who dont accept any mistakes what so ever!.. Rafel has made a few mistakes the past few months dont hear anyone crying out for him to be sold!
Problem is with Keepers when they make a mistake it usualy results in a goal!
Fact is Young Players lack experience and are prone to making mistakes, in all positions!… Keepers suffer more.
We could sell foster in the summer, and we could get a better alternative! We could invest 10 million in another keeper who would make a few mistakes take time to settle in and be ok or could be sold in 3-4 seasons time!…………. In 5 years time foster could be regarded as a World Class keeper!….. Who knows!
@GHTT
Im with you on the confidence thing. i think he just needs to get over it. Im more convinced about him than Kuzack… Comaring ability i mean!
Foster out.
Quite a few people has mentioned foster has lacked the temerment of playing for united.
I think this is misinterpreted, First chance he has had in the team. Looked a little nervious! Also made a few mistakes which shattered his confidence! There was also additional circumstances to add to the pressure at that time.
Like..
Its world cup year, keeper spot was up for grabs at the time…. = Extra Pressure!
VDS out for a short period of time, providing very little chance to shine and prove you are number 1 = Extra Pressure
Not knowing if you are rated as Number 2 or Number 3 keeper = Added pressure (wanted to do extra well to cement his Future as No 1 at unted when VDS Retired!)
Im not supprised Foster made a few mistakes, im sure people will say he is paid well enough he cant afford to make mistakes. Mistakes in football is part and parcel with the game! All the top great players made mistakes………
Maybe he needs just to be given another chance, I do think he has more ability than Kuzack!
@einsi01
Taxi for einsi01 to City of Manchester Stadium.
@KJ
Im sure if you analised the whole season you could pick up points dropped by mistakes!
@KJ
Im sure if you analised the whole season you could pick up points dropped by mistakes by various players!
Question for you………… Rio Ferdinand Hid his injury from Alex Fergusion and the medical team……….Was this responsible?
How many points did we drop when Rio wasnt playing?……………
LOL..
My rants are over.. its now back to work!! haha
Trevor – I’ll go half whack for the taxi fare lol.
@willierednut
You pack his bags and i will drive him!!
I saw Foster play against Derby – in Derby – last year. He was terrific in one of those games when UTD banged on the door but couldn’t unlock it until the 80th minute when CR7 slotted home the winner. Ben Foster was called on to make two difficult saves which he did with great athleticism on that day BUT he has been catastrophic in goal for UTD this season. It seems that he just doesn’t have the presence or the confidence or the skill to patrol the goal, command the penalty box, and to distribute the ball. Fergy is only stating the obvious – this guy isn’t up to snuff. SeeYa.
Raphael has made a few mistakes but not because he lacks class or confidence it’s youth and exuberance.As for Rio I think we are going to struggle to get half the season out of him time for a replacement.Hargreaves empty him and get the insurance hes had to much free dough of us already it doesn’t make sense him being with us he wont contribute.
It seems Foster will get the same support Berba has got, that is, not very much.
There seems to be a general consensus among pundits that ‘Foster will come good’ and he just needs some time to develop. Ben Foster is 27 years old! We’re not talking about a 20 year old who needs to grow as a player. Admitadely Keepers blossom later in their careers but I really think we’re flogging a dead horse here. The lad had repeated opportunities this year and looked poor in every department bar shot-stopping. I feel sorry for the lad but I just don’t think he’s top level.
Trevor, not been fickle just stating a fact. He had his opportunity and he failed. Why do you think he then but Kit Kat infront of him?
As for Rafael, he is only a kid just turned 20 and is still learning the game. Foster is 27!!
I don’t like Kit – Kats, more of a Twix man meself.
Fergie, please get rid of this clown! I’m still fuming about some of the goals he cost us this season. He is not United quality and never will be.
The good thing is some mugs like Spurs or Stoke would fork out a good few million for him. We could make a handsome profit on a player who is a major liability to us.
….You guys just don’t watch the reserves…His form has been brilliant but so has edwins
So basically only experience kept him out for these 4 weeks.
We do watch the reserves and it doesn’t matter how well he plays in front of a couple of hundred specs the real deal is at premiership games and he just doesn’t cut it move him on.
I think alot of people are missing the point about Foster, the thing he needs is not confidence, is to learn how to kick the ball! His kicking was horrible the period he was in the first team. I dreaded every backpass to him, and you could see the opposition knew it as well.
The 1 thing about Van der Sar we have taken for granted, is his kicking. Take a look, left foot, right foot, bouncing balls, give it to him and he will boot it to the middle of the park no problems.
I agree. Terrible kicking, not especially agile, poor reactions, not remotely imposing, doesn’t instill confidence in his defence, poor decision making, prone to howlers, need I go on?
Kuszack > Foster. After his horrendus performances earlier in the season, my mind was made up about him. It’s a shame, because after his CC final heroics it seemed like we have finally found a long term replacement for VDS. Foster is just not good enough, unfortunately. He did not make full advantage of the chances given to him to prove he is worthy of first team starts.
I personally have no doubt at all that Ben Foster is a top quality keeper. In 5 years or so, he will have bypassed Tomasz Kuzcazk in terms of ability and experience as well as appearances for his country.
The problem at the moment, for both of them, is that Van Der Sar is showing no signs of letting up on his over all consistent form. Between Schmeichel and Edwin, we had an absolute nightmare between the posts. Now we have an all-round perfect keeper, with a couple of relatively young, inexperienced yet internationally capped players waiting in the wings it must be absolutely frustrating for the pair of them to NEVER play.
Weeks go by with neither of them having barely any part to play, the most exciting part of the season draws to a close and the closest the get to the action is to pat a goal scoring substitute on the back. They both have a dilema, stay and wait for another year in the hope the Van Der Sar retires, or go and fulfil their realistic potential by playing games?
Ben has had many great seasons already, not least at Watford where he was a key part of their successes over the 2 year period. Regarding his talent, it is clear – he needs to play more. Regarding him staying at United, I want England’s future No.1 to remain at our club, though if he did leave I really wouldn’t blame him. People should really stop writing him off so quickly, only if you really do crave another instant hero.
think this all drops down to mentality. He’s shone whilst on loan but never quite cut it for us. It takes a different type of person to play for as big a team as us, something nani has learnt this year and we’re reaping the dividends of. Unfortunately as a keeper, ur mistakes normally cost goals and points. I don’t think mentally he is gonna be good enough for us
£5million from Birmingham would be a great deal, good club for Foster and a decent sum of money for us.
I still think Ben is a good goalkeeper and, for a Birmingham, would be a fantastic acquisition but, when you’re playing for United, good isn’t good enough!
@ Tom F, care to explain why you see Foster as the next England goalkeeper , in the next 3/4 years before Joe Hart. Read your view tommorow. Be lucky but not analytical.
Tom F = Tom Foster, a relative of Ben’s no doubt!
Look mate, I’m sure your brother/uncle/cousin is a nice guy and I’ve got nothing against him personally – he’s just not good enough for United. There’s no shame in that. I wish Ben all the best at whichever club he ends up at.
i would love to see an English keeper in goal at United but Foster doesnt seem to quiet have it?
Maybe if he is loaned out next season to a Premiership club this time it might spur him on and maybe give him a chance the 11/12 season
There is no point in loaning Ben to any team. He had his great chance to become the real hero in Manchester United’s goal and royally has blown it away. That is it! Full stop. He should be sold. After all, he possibly will be able to replicate Tim Howard’s way…
Fred = Fred The Red? Fan’s favourite on match day?
Leave my brother alone, take it back!
I can see for sure why everyone has come to the conclusion that he is no good, that basically comes down to how some United fans are. I just personally don’t think Ben has even had the chance to establish himself. How can you judge a bit part player? It’s a bit like Darren Bent when he was at Spurs, everyone laughed at the price that was paid for him but he never got the chance – now he has a run of games he is showing what he is and always has been about.
Ben Foster, is capable of being good enough for United but won’t get the opportunity, that’s the real problem. Any person can have a bad run of games and that’s all you’ll remember of him. 9 apps in a year is pretty bad going, considering how long EVDS was out.
If Hart goes back to City and they do buy the sucess that they intend to, Joe Hart has a massive chance of being England’s number 1, though if Foster does stick it out here and show what he is capable of then I think he’ll be next in line. If Van Der Sar left tomorrow, would I have Foster, it’s hard to say, you want players like him to have a run in the game and prove what they can do, but a few Paul Robinson / David James moments may be hard to get past when every game is a potential title winner for us.
I’d like to see Foster as a definite stand in keeper over Kusczazk, though I think there’s also Thomas Sorensen who could come in with great Premier League experience and ability to match.
Over-all, I see what the reason is behind some fans opinion on Ben, but I can’t help to think you are the same fans who would be the types to write off Berbatov or say Giggs hasn’t got it anymore after one poor game.
@ Tom F – Spot on!
lets not forget its man utd were talking about – mistakes from keepers are unacceptable and foster has simply made too many……the next 1st choice utd keeper has to be as good and consistent as van der sar and schmeichel were – nothing else will do………..
@TomF. Absoloute fucking nonesense, the reason he does not get a sustained run of games, because when he does get an opportunity, he screws it up, its not rocket science.
If you cannot see the qualities of Joe Hart over Foster, forget it.Englands number 1 in the next 4/5 years, your some sort of fucking joker right.
I do hope your selecting the sqaud to go to South Africa, because as sure fuck they will be on a return flight before the you get out of the group stages.
There is loyalty and sticking behind the players and blinkered .Foster is a decent shot stopper, fast reflexes,thats about it.Dreadfull at high balls into the box, woefull kicking on the ground when a backpass is laid to him.Causes panic in the defence in front of him, the defence dont trust him, so why should anyone else.
Anyway I dont want to waste my time on this, its just arguementative and stupidity to attempt to defend the defenceless.Your wrong Sir Alex, Mr Capello please play Ben its all clear now.
Over to you Fred I cant react to drivvle.
@Tom F – I think your comparison to Darren Bent is apt – Foster would no doubt have a blinder playing for a “lesser team” like Sunderland, but for whatever reason neither of them (in my view) will be able to make it at one of the bigger clubs – though Foster could probably make it at Spurs.
What’s so big about being England number one anyway? Just because you’re good enough to be England’s keeper doesn’t make you good enough for United… Paul Robinson, David James?
BigPhil2010 – You have a fair point, the same could be said for Joe Hart should he become England’s number 1. Ability never is the key factor in an international managers decision on who makes a squad.
There is the possibility that Foster isn’t good enough for United, I am just not able to make that decision based on his lack of games and inability to shift a goal keeping legend from between the posts.
I may have a little too much optimism, but I had the same view with Nani and its clear he is making a high percentage of united fans eat their words. Slowly yes, but that’s what time does, the same as Sir Alex had time to change things around at United.
The days of patience have been replaced by those greedy for instant success but I am not of that culture. I understand that United can’t wait forever and let titles slip away match by match due to individual errors, but as a United player he will get my support.
As for Bent, he didn’t get a chance at Spurs, so its hard to judge his mentality in that respect. One thing I am sure of, Foster would have a great career at a place like Spurs and in turn he’d be favourite for the England No.1 shirt. I am not an England fan and put United first every time, but there is s sense of pride about having your teams players filling up their international team sheets… until the injuries begin to roll in.
I don’t think shouting people down, because they have a different view is the way to go.
“There is the possibility that Foster isn’t good enough for United, I am just not able to make that decision based on his lack of games and inability to shift a goal keeping legend from between the posts.”
How about basing it on the fact that the useless clown made a huge cock-up just about every time he played for us this season?
Community Shield – limp-wristed flap lets Drogba beat him to the ball, giving Carvalho a tap-in. Second limp-wristed flap allows Lampard shot through his hands and into the net.
Burnley – barely leaves the ground in poor attempt to save Blake’s goal
Arsenal – as at Burnley, rooted to the spot and gets nowhere near Arshavin shot from 30 yards
Spurs – flat-footed again as Defoe overhead-kicks into what might as well be an open goal
City – tries to be cute and gets mugged by Tevez, Barry shoots into empty goal. Might as well not be there as Bellamy ghosts past him for easy tap in.
Sunderland – Gets nowhere near another speculative long-range shot, this time from Bent. A flimsy attempt at punch allows Jones to head into an empty goal
Barnsley – easily tackled by a teenage pitch invader who robs him of the ball and sets up a tap-in for his mate.
Fred – It’s clear you have made up your mind on Foster, unlike a few people on here, I am capable of accepting the opinions of fellow reds. The list you have produced shows you have been given reason to believe Foster is no good but you have missed out a few vital parts of information. This to me, shows that you are either nit picking to back up your opinion or that you simply cannot remember what actually happened when the above goals were conceded.
Let’s have a look:
Community Shield – Both Evra & Drogba back in to Foster as he attempts to clear the ball. If Foster didn’t go for it, Drogba would’ve scored. Instead it falls to an unmarked Carvalho who puts it away. He could have done better for the Lampard goal, no doubt there.
Burnley – Are you serious? The way in which the ball is struck is so good that the power and swerve on this would have beated most keepers. He would never have been expected to hit that first time, but had the space and did exactly what he had to.
Arsenal – He could have done better, good strike but you wouldn’t have expected that to go in.
Spurs- REALLY!?! No mention of the little jump and twist from Rio has the ball falls to Defoe, instead of attacking the ball Ferdinand turns away from it. The finish that follows, is superb and from six yards out most top keepers would’ve been left rooted to the ground. It was an unexpected finish and not too different from the goal Dean Ashton scored against VAN DER SAR in 2008.
City – That really pissed me off, his positioning was terrible! Another error from Rio lead to that chance.
Barnsley – Haha, that’s unpredicatable fan behaviour, Ben was probably in two minds as to whether he was allowed to stop the kids or not. Great world class finish though.
So, yeah, Foster could do better, he has been inconsistant and that is what I accept. Lack of games will never change that though. He has the natural ability but it’s the things you learn such as decision making and also knowing your defence that comes with time and matches. The older he gets the better he will become.
As you will see in the post you quoted me from, I think he may never get that chance, there are better out there but I will support him as a fan and because he has shown how talented he is. Fergie knows it, he’s said it himself and I am happy to keep an open mind about it.
With all this stick Foster is getting, who would you want to replace Edwin?
Fred – Ha . That Barnsley comment is quality. Spot on.