Tomasz Kuszczak may have spent more time on the bench than on the pitch in 2008/09, but the Pole never grumbled and always looked enthusiastic when handed a chance to shine.
That said, 2008/09 was a difficult season for Tomasz. Sir Alex insists the Polish international remains part of his plans, but Kuszczak was largely a spectator as his colleagues collected silverware and finished the campaign having played just a handful of games.
Start to finish: Tomasz never really got started. He played half a game against Chelsea, enjoyed outings in Europe against Aalborg and Villarreal and got the nod on just a smattering of other occasions, often against sides that barely mustered a threat.
In position: The Pole benefitted from a United back four setting new standards in miserliness. Rio, Vida, Jonny… the faces changed slightly, but the threat to the United goal remained minimal.
Vital contribution: On as a first-half sub for van der Sar at Stamford Bridge in September, Tomasz kept his head as the Blues gathered a head of steam late on; there was little he could do to prevent Salomon Kalou’s leveller, and he was smartly off his line to deny Joe Cole.
Season highlight: A couple of blocks from El Hadji Diouf ensured Ronaldo’s free-kick earned the Reds all three points against Blackburn in February.
Any lows? Mainly the irritating niggle that three (goalkeepers) into one just won’t go.
Any other business? In ‘Teammate Tales’ in Inside United, Patrice Evra voted Kuszczak both best and worst-dressed Red!
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