Akinfeev Wouldn’t Say No To United

11 September 09 by Bill

As CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev prepares for two potential encounters with United in the up coming Champions League group stages, the Russian goalkeeper has one eye on linking up with the Premier League champions in the not too distant future.

There was speculation the shot stopper could have joined United in the summer but despite a move never materialising, the young keeper is still hopeful.

The Sun quotes him as saying: “CSKA is a great club but every player would love to prove their worth at (Manchester) United.”

Akinfeev broke into CSKA Moscow’s starting lineup at just 17 and has been their first choice keeper ever since. He has made over 150 appearances and picked up a string of honours including two League Championships, a UEFA Cup and has also been voted the best player in the Soviet Union.

Akinfeev is currently Russia’s youngest player to ever play for the national team having made his debut at just 18 years and 20 days in a friendly match with Norway. His competitive debut came less than a year later in a World Cup qualifier against Estonia. He is now Russia’s first choice goalkeeper and has made 35 appearances for the national team. All by the age of 23.

With Edwin van der Sar nearing retirement, Ben Foster not looking ready to take the reigns and Tomasz Kuszczak sitting on the sidelines, Ferguson will be looking to strengthen and we think he couldn’t do much better than Akinfeev.