Edwin van der Sar claims Arsenal star is not ‘world class’… but Man Utd flop is

Edwin van der Sar has left Arsenal star David Raya off his list of ‘world class’ goalkeepers – but named Manchester United flop Andre Onana among the best in the world.

Raya has enjoyed another superb season in the Arsenal goal, on track to claim the Golden Gloves award having kept 14 clean sheets in 30 matches.

The Gunners again had their goalkeeper to thank in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea, reacting quickly to palm away Alejandro Garnacho’s cross that almost found its way into the far corner of the net.

‘It was an unbelievable shot and my heart almost stopped, but he kept it out again,’ Arteta said after the match.

Raya has been widely praised as one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers but United legend van der Sar doesn’t appear to be in agreement.

Reeling through goalkeepers with ESPN, van der Sar responded ‘no’ when asked if Raya is world class with the Spain international the first goalkeeper on the interviewer’s list.

Alisson, Becker, Thibaut Courtois, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Manuel Neuer were those hailed as world class by the Dutchman – rather curiously, alongside Onana.

Onana joined United in the summer of 2023 but endured two error-strewn seasons at Old Trafford.

After picking up an injury during pre-season last summer, Altay Bayindir started the season as United’s first choice in goal but his nervous start to the campaign meant the club had no choice but to bring in another option in Senne Lammens.

Onana was given another chance to prove his worth against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup but was at fault for two goals as United suffered a humiliating exit on penalties.

The Cameroon international was shipped out on loan to Trabzonspor in Türkiye.

While reports have suggested he is eager to return to Manchester and fight for his place, Lammens has excelled in his first season in England and would appear to be in no danger of losing his place anytime soon.

Among the other goalkeepers who did not make the world class grade for van der Sar were Jan Oblak, Marc-André ter Stegen, Yann Sommer, Nick Pope, Jordan Pickford, Robert Sanchez, Guglielmo Vicario and Mike Maignan.