29. Tomasz Kuszczak

There aren't many tougher jobs at United than shadowing Edwin van der Sar.

With one of the world's best ahead of you, chances are limited, which means grasping the opportunities that come your way is essential.

By and large, Tomasz Kuszczak has done just that. Remember his United debut in September 2006? The Reds may have lost, but Kuszczak made a stunning penalty save from Arsenal's Gilberto Silva.

Since then, United fans have come to recognise Tomasz's immense shot-stopping ability. An imposing figure between the sticks, the Pole is extremely athletic

and agile, attributes that first came to the Reds' attention when he came on for West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford in May 2005.

With the Baggies 1-0 down and Russell Hoult injured after 22 minutes, Kuszczak came off the bench to make a string of saves and keep out United for the rest of the match. Robert Earnshaw’s penalty eventually earned Bryan Robson’s men a vital point and the following term Tomasz established his position as first-choice goalkeeper at The Hawthorns.

In the summer of 2006 United embarked on a relentless pursuit of the Poland international. Finally, after turning down three offers, the Midlands side finally relented and allowed Kuszczak to join the Reds, initially on loan. His move was made permanent at the beginning of the double-winning 2007/08 campaign, a season in which Tomasz made 16 appearances and kept no fewer than eight clean sheets.

In 2008/09 a fit-again Ben Foster has threatened Tomasz's position as no.2, but the Pole insists it's a challenge he relishes. And while Foster may have been given the nod in the Carling Cup final against Tottenhan Hotspur, Sir Alex assured Kuszczak and fans that the 6ft 3in stopper still has a big part to play in United's future.

Did You Know? 'Tomasz Kuszczak' would fetch a score of 53 in Scrabble. It's pronounced 'Tomash Koosh-shack'.