United’s goalkeeping coach Tony Coton says the position of Edwin van der Sar’s understudy is up for grabs.

Tim Howard, United’s current number two in the goalkeeping stakes at Old Trafford, will spend next season on loan at Everton.

But three of United’s other stoppers – Ben Foster (23), Tom Heaton (22) and Luke Steele (21) – are all vying to take the American’s place. All three keepers are yet to make a competitive appearance for the Reds.

Foster, who will play for Watford in the Championship play-off final against Leeds on Sunday, has impressed at Vicarage Road and is favourite to take the spot.

It would seem the perfect follow-up to the first-team experience gained at Watford if Foster spent a year at United learning from van der Sar. But United may still decide to send him to another club that plays a style more similar to United’s.

"We have Ben, Tom Heaton and Luke Steele and it is all up in the air at the moment," Coton told the Manchester Evening News.

"When we come back on July 3 we will have a look at it and make some decisions. But I would have great belief in any of our young keepers to understudy Edwin.

"In Ben Foster's case he has been successful during his loan at Watford. But often what we like to do is farm them out to more than one club to gain different experiences.

"For one of the spells, we would send a player out to a team who plays in a similar style to United. Though Watford have been excellent for Ben they do play a different game to us.

"We like our goalkeepers to distribute the ball quickly but to build attacks from our penalty box. Watford like to get the ball up to the front as fast as possible. Ben might need to experience being with a side whose style resembles Uniteds."

Coton has kept a keen eye on Foster’s progress with Watford this season. He has seen six live matches and watched the rest of the young keeper’s matches on a DVD. Watford boss Adie Boothroyd has provided in-depth reports every three months on the player’s progress, not just on the pitch and in training, but his interaction with the players, the club and the local community.

Watford reaching the play-off finals was an unexpected bonus to the Foster and United.

"Reaching the play-offs is important to Ben as part of his progress," Coton added. "When we send players out on loan we like to send them somewhere as high as possible. But for Watford to do so well has been a bonus. He has done exceptionally well.

"Ben has got lots of potential. He has a great physique and his distribution is second to none. He has a great right arm and an unbelievable left foot.

"I reckon about 60 per cent of Watford's goals this season have come from Ben's assists. It’s been a great experience for him."

Source: manutd.com

Last update : 19-05-2006 16:35

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