Louis van Gaal has not seen enough yet to know if Sergio Romero is up to the physical challenge of the Premier League, though the manager is pleased with how the goalkeeper has contributed to Manchester United’s start to the season.
Romero was signed as a free agent in July, with Van Gaal having managed the Argentinian at AZ Alkmaar.
David de Gea has been dropped while he is a target for Real Madrid and, while the Spaniard’s future remains unclear, Romero is the No1 and has kept four clean sheets in United’s five games, with the defence conceding only one goal.
Van Gaal said about his goalkeeper: “Until now we don’t allow a lot of shots. I think only maybe the save against Brugge at 1-0 was very important. He did also a save at Tottenham. He could not show what he can do but that’s only a compliment for the team.”
Romero’s fine displays came despite joining United’s summer tour late. Yet the manner in which the 27-year-old has slotted in was expected by Van Gaal. “I’m not surprised we are doing well with him because the defence starts with the striker and we have proved also last season that we have a good defence.”
In Wednesday’s 4-0 win at Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off second leg Javier Hernández missed a late penalty and Van Gaal was annoyed. He said the Mexican should be able to handle the demands of playing for the club. “Every player who plays for Manchester United has to cope with that pressure.”
Wayne Rooney, who scored a hat-trick in the victory over Brugge, handed the ball to Hernández for him to take the spot-kick. Van Gaal welcomed the gesture, though he would have felt different if the game had been goalless. “Not surprised because he is a very social guy, a real captain, but he cannot do it when it’s 0-0, then I’m very angry, but at 4-0 I think it was a great gesture.”
