Raimond backing for Valdes

VICTOR Valdes would be the “perfect” replacement for David de Gea, says former Manchester United goalkeeper Raimond van der Gouw.

Real Madrid target De Gea hobbled off with a hamstring injury in the 1–1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, and though United sources rejected claims of an offer from the Spanish giants yesterday, there is a

possibility that was his last game for the club.

United have drawn up a list of potential replacements de Gea depart for Madrid, but Van der Gouw believes United already has the perfect replacement, Valdes.

“With what he knows about football and the way he is playing, he is perfect for United,” the former United stopper said. “He can play for another three or four years in a top team.”

Valdes’ pedigree can’t be doubted. He won the Champions League three times with Barcelona and was part of the Spain squad that lifted the 2010 World Cup and the European Championship two years later.

The Arsenal game was the first time he had played in 14 months though, thanks to a long rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.

Valdes’ said: “It’s been good, all good. My team–mates have treated me well here. The coach has treated me well. I have one more year on my contract; let’s see what happens.”