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 Raimond Van der Gouw"It's always good to keep a clean sheet in the Champions League"  real 28k |
Fergie loses faith with Bosnich
Friendly rivalry: Van der Gouw and Bosnich
Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed why he dropped first-choice goalkeeper Mark Bosnich for the Champions League match with Bordeaux.
Raimond Van der Gouw was preferred to first-choice keeper Bosnich for the Group B match at Old Trafford, which United won 2-0.
Ferguson has now dismissed suggestions that Bosnich might be injured, with the Australian instead left out following a drop in form in recent games.
Raimond Van der Gouw was preferred to first-choice keeper Bosnich for the Group B match at Old Trafford, which United won 2-0.
Ferguson has now dismissed suggestions that Bosnich might be injured, with the Australian instead left out following a drop in form in recent games.
 Van der Gouw has impressed in the Champions League
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The manager has been unhappy with Bosnich's weight and fitness during his second
spell at the club, and now he has told the 28-year-old that his form is not up to scratch.
Bosnich was not at the top of his game during United's 2-2 draw with Wimbledon last weekend.
And Ferguson instead opted to bring in the reliable Dutchman Van der Gouw for the Champions League fixture.
"Bosnich hadn't been that sharp," Ferguson said, "and I felt that Raimond could handle the big games.
"He has had to do it a couple of times when Peter Schmeichel has been injured, notably against Dortmund and Monaco, and I felt that some people's games are suited to Europe, and that applies to Raimond.
"He gets around his area very quickly."
Schmeichel's legacy
United have had a troubled time with goalkeepers since the legendary Schmeichel left the club last summer.
Bosnich was Ferguson's long-term target as Schmeichel's replacement, but when he struggled early on, Massimo Taibi was drafted in from Italy.
However, Taibi proved a spectacular flop and was dispatched back to Serie A.
Bosnich then regained his place for the Premiership - but Van der Gouw now appears to be Ferguson's favourite for the European campaign.
Bosnich was not at the top of his game during United's 2-2 draw with Wimbledon last weekend.
And Ferguson instead opted to bring in the reliable Dutchman Van der Gouw for the Champions League fixture.
"Bosnich hadn't been that sharp," Ferguson said, "and I felt that Raimond could handle the big games.
"He has had to do it a couple of times when Peter Schmeichel has been injured, notably against Dortmund and Monaco, and I felt that some people's games are suited to Europe, and that applies to Raimond.
"He gets around his area very quickly."
Schmeichel's legacy
United have had a troubled time with goalkeepers since the legendary Schmeichel left the club last summer.
Bosnich was Ferguson's long-term target as Schmeichel's replacement, but when he struggled early on, Massimo Taibi was drafted in from Italy.
However, Taibi proved a spectacular flop and was dispatched back to Serie A.
Bosnich then regained his place for the Premiership - but Van der Gouw now appears to be Ferguson's favourite for the European campaign.
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Links to other Champions League stories are at the foot of the page.
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