OFFICIAL: Manchester United Announce Their Third Summer Signing
REUTERS/David Klein
Jose Mourinho has completed his third signing of the summer, as Stoke’s Lee Grant has joined the Red Devils as a third-choice goalkeeper.
Over the recent years, a number of goalkeepers have been promoted to the first-team squad, but opportunities have been sporadic due to the dominance of David De Gea. The Spanish International has been Manchester United‘s no. 1 since his arrival in 2011.
United were set to lose Dean Henderson this summer. The England U21 enjoyed a great last season with Shrewsbury Town. A number of clubs were looking to make a permanent move for the player, but Mourinho convinced him to sign a new contract, and then make a loan switch to Sheffield United.
Another United youngster, Joel Pereira spent most of last season on the bench, making 1 appearances in the League Cup. The Portuguese goalkeeper is also eyeing a loan move this summer.
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This meant Mourinho was set to only possess two goalkeepers – De Gea and Romero. But now, the Mancunians have finalised the signing of Stoke City’s Lee Grant. The shot-stopper completed his medical today, and an official announcement was made by the Reds on Tuesday. He will be joining the club on a two-year deal.
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Born in Hempstead, Grant has spent most of his career in the Championship. His first experience in the Premier League came recently, when he joined the Potters on loan in January 2017. He covered up for the injured Jack Butland.
#MUFC is delighted to announce the signing of Lee Grant on a two-year deal: https://t.co/pebTQFjRaq pic.twitter.com/llAEkvvvkp
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 3, 2018
Grant’s best performance came against Manchester United, wherein he won the Man of the Match award as Stoke held them to a draw. Last season, he made 5 appearances, but couldn’t stop the Potters from going down.
Lee Grant provides a cheap alternative for Mourinho, as he cost them only £1.5 million. The 35-year-old has a lot of experience under his belt, standing in goal 509 times, and would come in handy when De Gea and Romero need rest.