TOMASZ KUSZCZAK

29. TOMASZ KUSZCZAK

The latest edition to United’s goalkeeping ranks, Tomasz Kuszczak, arrived at the club knowing exactly what is required to produce an outstanding performance at Old Trafford.

With West Brom’s Premiership survival at stake, the 6ft 3in Polish international was called upon against United in May 2005 when Russell Hoult went off injured after just 22 minutes at OT. The Baggies were 1-0 down to a 21st minute Ryan Giggs opener, but Kuszczak pulled off a series of saves in only his fourth game for the club to keep United out for the rest of the match. Robert Earnshaw’s penalty earned a vital Premiership point, helping Bryan

Robson’s side avoid the drop.

The following season saw Tomasz become the Baggies’s first-choice keeper. His performances, despite West Brom’s relegation, didn’t go unnoticed. The Reds embarked on a relentless pursuit for his services throughout summer 2006. West Brom, having already turned down three offers from United, finally relented on 10 August. He joins United initially on a season-long loan, leading to a permanent three-year deal at the end of the period.

It ended a two-year stay at The Hawthorns for Tomasz following his move from Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin in July 2004. He made