sport news Manchester United legend Alex Stepney runs the rule over David de Gea and Peter ... trends now

Alex Stepney cost Manchester United a world record fee of £55,000 when he joined from Chelsea in 1966.

Sir Matt Busby described his signing as ‘the single most important factor’ behind that season’s title win. He kept a clean sheet on his debut in a 1-0 win over Manchester City and a total of 175 during a glittering Old Trafford career. 

His record was broken by Peter Schmeichel before David de Gea surpassed the Dane’s landmark in the Carabao Cup final with his 181st clean sheet. Here Stepney tells Sportsmail how the two goalkeepers compare.

CONCENTRATION

People often pinpoint the moment I saved point-blank from Eusebio in the 1968 European Cup final. We were 1-1 and about to go into extra time. If I hadn’t been alert to that moment we wouldn’t have gone on to win 4-1. 

So often the most testing games are when you are winning 2-0 or 3-0. Your side are in control, maybe passing the ball around comfortably, and if you are not switched on, your mind can drift, but the opposition will always have a moment.

Schmeichel was excellent at ensuring he was alive to those situations. He used fitness conditioning to improve his focus and sometimes simply shouted at defenders to keep his mind engaged. Sir Alex Ferguson advocated his players playing chess. 

David de Gea’s concentration has not always been what it should be, but I’ve seen a marked difference this season and he made two crucial saves last Sunday, one at 0-0, that gave United the platform for victory.

ORGANISATION

I always saw myself as the puppeteer or quarterback if you like. You push and pull your defenders into position because you can see the plays unfolding in front of you. ‘Don’t let them in this box!’ ‘Pick up the winger on the left!’ Communication, organisation and concentration are all intrinsically linked when you are a keeper.

I was a good talker, Schmeichel was one of the best. Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister knew where he was, even in their sleep. What I’ve noticed with De Gea, and you could see it particularly on Sunday, is that he is taking greater charge on corners and set-pieces and enjoying the responsibility. 

Erik ten Hag has given him licence to order people where he wants them. For too long he has been a ‘line goalkeeper’ as in one who stays around his line as the ball comes in then is forced into making reaction saves. It makes everyone nervous. Now he is setting himself up properly, commanding the area and the defenders are responding to his new authority.

I learned a lot studying the great Wolves keeper Bert Williams and Ted Ditchburn at Spurs. I’d watch them closely. I’m sure David has studied Peter before him and even Edwin van der Sar, who was always very calm.

DISTRIBUTION

A goalkeeper is the first line of distribution. You must quickly assess the opposition’s shape and put the ball where you can hurt them. I could kick a ball long or I could be quick and accurate with a throw but you need

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