Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has been warned that Manchester United may be too big of a step for him at this point, even if they are the “dream club as a footballer”.
That’s the opinion of Belgium’s Under 21 assistant manager Olivier Deschacht, who says the highly rated keeper will have to think hard about a potential move to Old Trafford this summer.
Verbruggen has established himself as Anderlecht’s number one this season, coming into the team in November and not looking back since.
He’s currently one of the most highly thought of young goalkeepers in Europe, with a series of impressive displays, particularly in European competition this season, earning him attention from a number of clubs.
Manchester United are believed to be on the sides keeping an eye on him and a report back in March made it clear they had sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old in action.
Erik ten Hag’s side may need a replacement for David de Gea, with it believed they will be in the market for a goalkeeper even if the Spaniard decides to extend his stay at Old Trafford beyond the end of the season.
Verbruggen could be an ideal signing then, potentially acting as understudy to De Gea and learning from him before taking up the mantle in the coming years.
Deschacht can see that happening but has warned the youngster that a move to a huge club like United does have it’s drawbacks.
“Manchester United is a huge step. He is better off taking an intermediate step because the pressure is huge at a club like Manchester United,” he said.
“Maybe they want him as a second goalkeeper, but a goalkeeper like Bart Verbruggen has to play mainly anyway.
“Of course, I would go if Manchester United came, which is a dream club as a footballer. Who knows, maybe Verbruggen is better than De Gea?”
