2016-2017 Season Performance Review: Sergio Romero
By Rajat Singh
Pre-Season
Sergio Romero did not feature in the Tour 2016 but the Argentine international was raring to go anyways. Romero was being linked with a move away from United but chose to stay and fight for his place. Unsurprisingly, he became the automatic back up keeper for David De Gea as United began their first season under Jose Mourinho.
Start of the Premier League season
The keeper featured in the first game the Red Devils played in EFL cup and United won that match 3-1. Meanwhile, he started a game in the Europa league and kept a clean sheet against Zorya Luhansk. Mourinho preferred David De Gea in the Premier League as the Portuguese gaffer played the Spanish international in all matches with Romero on the bench.
Mid season
EFL Cup again saw Romero on the bench as United clinched the title but he did play all the matches except the 6th Round loss against Chelsea in the FA Cup. He was tremendous in the competition with conceding only once in three matches. With Jose settling for De Gea in the Premier League, Romero made the Europa League his own. The keeper made sure United never lost any match in Europe as he made fine saves over the course of the campaign.
End of the season
With United only playing in the League and Europe, Romero got to play in two domestic matches. United won both the matches and the Argentine again kept clean sheets as grew in confidence at the post. Meanwhile, Romero kept blocking shots in the Europa League as United went on to clinch the trophy. The highlight of his season was a clean sheet in the final against a free scoring Ajax team although he did not have much to do.
Overall stats
Romero had a tremendous season in the red jersey as he featured in 18 matches but conceded just six goals in all of them. Amidst all competitions, he kept 12 clean sheets and was never fazed by the opposition strikers.
The unsung hero of the Red Devils’ Europa League campaign. Romero was the barrier standing between the sticks as United never tasted defeat with him in the goal in Europe. With the rumor mill having started its annual De Gea-to-Real Madrid rumour, United fans can extract a positive out of Romero’s performances.
Even if Mourinho does being in a new keeper to Old Trafford, it is safe to assume that Romero will be giving him tough competition for the number one place. I, for one believe Romero deserves to play a lot more for the club than he does. An utmost professional, Jose would have been very happy with the Argentine’s season.