Top five goalkeepers with most clean sheets for Manchester United

The Red Devils have had plenty of iconic showstoppers over the years

The Red Devils are one of the most iconic clubs in the history of football. They gained much of their fame because of the Sir Alex Ferguson era. Legendary players like Rooney, Ronaldo, Scholes, Ferdinand, Vidic and many more have donned the Manchester United jersey. They have shattered records in almost every domain of football. Manchester United have also had many great keepers over the years.

Let's take a look at the top five goalkeepers with the most clean sheets for Manchester United:

5. Edwin Van Der Sar - 135 clean sheets

Some regard him as the best goalkeeper Manchester United has ever had. Van Der Sar started his professional career with Ajax and then joined Juventus. He then joined Fulham before joining Manchester United. Over a period of six years at Old Trafford, Van Der Sar won 11 titles which includes 4 Premier League trophies and one Champions League. He has managed to keep 135 clean sheets in 266 appearances which is a great record.

Van Der Sar's best save goes way back to the 2008 UCL final against Chelsea. Despite him not performing well in the final, the penalty save against Nicolas Anelka was the most crucial one.

4. Gary Bailey - 161 clean sheets

One of the best goalkeepers in England in the mid-1980s era. Peter Schmeichel's idol, he was all set to play at the FIFA World Cup but he unfortunately missed it because of an injury. Bailey established himself as the first team goalkeeper after the retirement of Alex Stepney.

Gary was unable to establish himself in the senior XI because of a more experienced Ray Clemence and Peter Shilton. Gary did not win much silverware with Manchester United. He only won the FA Cup in the 1982-83 and 1984-85 seasons. Gary Bailey kept 161 clean sheets in 375 appearances for Manchester United.

3. Alex Stepney - 175 clean sheets

Stepney is an English goalkeeper who formerly played for Manchester United. He was United's goalkeeper when they became the first English club to win the European Cup. Stepney has 539 caps for Manchester United and has kept 175 clean sheets. Despite him being very talented, he was way down the pecking order when it came to England. Gordon Banks, Peter Bonetti and Ron Springett were the first priorities.

2. Peter Schmeichel - 180 clean sheets

After performing well on the international stage, Peter Schmeichel earned a big move to Manchester United. Back then, Manchester United paid £505,000 for him which Sir Alex described as the "bargain of the century". In his very second season, IFFHS named him the "best keeper of 1992" and then again in 1993. Peter managed to keep 22 clean sheets in 38 games of the 1992-93 Premier League season which is a great record. His clean sheets helped Manchester United win the Premier League after 26 years.

Despite having some controversies with Sir Alex Ferguson and Ian Wright, Schmeichel ended his career on a high note. He won the treble (the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League) in the same season. Overall he managed to keep 180 clean sheets in 380 appearances. After his departure the club struggled to find a good keeper. Despite going through many high profile keepers, it was up until Van Der Sar that a good goalkeeper came to United.

1. David De Gea - 181 clean sheets

Some Manchester United fans have mixed feelings about the Spaniard. However, he is arguably the best Manchester United keeper alongside Peter Schmeichel. After becoming Atletico Madrid's first team keeper in 2010, he helped them to win UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup. This made Manchester United buy him in 2011.

Ever since joining Manchester United, he has made over 500 appearances. David De Gea has won the Premier League, UEFA Europa League, the League Cup, FA Cup and three Community Shields with Manchester United. He has now the most clean sheets (181) in Manchester United history. Moreover, his consistency and carrying the team at their worst times makes him a legend.

**This article was last updated on 27 February 2023.