Manchester United - Ben Foster

It took Ben Foster almost three years to make his competitive United debut; signed in July 2005 and touted as Edwin van der Sar’s chief understudy, he was outstanding in a 1-0 win over Derby County on 15 March 2008.

Foster was snatched from relative obscurity at Stoke City and arrived at Old Trafford after catching Sir Alex Ferguson's eye while on loan at Wrexham. The young shot-stopper was eventually prised from the Potters, without ever playing for the first team, for an undisclosed fee. He's never stayed in one place long, however, with five loan spells in three years at the Britannia, and that continued after his move to Manchester.

After just one-and-a-half pre-season friendlies with United's Reserves in summer 2005, he was farmed out to Watford on a season-long loan. Tipped for relegation, the Hornets had a stunning campaign thanks in no small part to Foster. Aidy Boothroyd's men won Premier League promotion after a 3-0 Championship Play-off final win over Leeds.

Foster was subsequently named on the standby list for England's 2006 World Cup squad, cementing his credentials as a potential future no.1 for club and country. Although his presence wasn't required in Germany, his international bow wasn't long in coming as a superb second loan season at Watford earned him a start – ironically at Old Trafford – in England's friendly with Spain in February 2007. Steve McClaren's side lost 1-0, but Foster's noteworthy display was in keeping with his fine form throughout 2006/07 at Vicarage Road. He couldn't prevent Watford’s relegation from the Premier League, but their fate would have been sealed much sooner had it not been for his Ben's heroics.

Foster then returned to Old Trafford with the intention of pushing van der Sar for United's No.1 spot, but disaster struck when he was forced to undergo cruciate knee ligament surgery, ruling him out for almost a year. His return, his debut at Derby, confirmed his potential. Edwin’s excellence in the twilight of his career has restricted Ben’s first-team involvement, but he never lets United down when called upon.

That was in evidence for his first trophy, which arrived in March 2009 when his penalty shoot-out heroics helped the Reds to victory over Tottenham at Wembley. Patience continues to be a virtue for Foster, but you can be sure that when van der Sar takes off his gloves for the last time, Ben, who signed a contract extension in July 2009 to keep him at the club until at least June 2013, is well-placed to challenge for the No.1 jersey.

PROFILE: Birthdate: 03 Apr 1983
Birthplace: Leamington Spa, England
Position: Goalkeeper
Appearances: 22
Goals: 0
Joined United: 19 Jul 2005
United Debut: 15 March 2008 v Derby (A)
International England