Who Has the Most Clean Sheets for Manchester United? Let’s explore the great goalkeepers in the history of Manchester United. These players are like guardians, protecting the team’s goal with their amazing skills. They have made impressive saves, built strong defenses, and played crucial roles in the team’s victories.
We’ll focus on those goalkeepers who have kept the most clean sheets. Clean sheets are like a goalkeeper’s badge of honor, showing their ability to keep the opposing team from scoring. Join us on a journey through time, where quick reflexes, determination, and a commitment to defending the goal at Old Trafford have created legends.
Who Has the Most Clean Sheets for Manchester United?
Get ready to learn about the goalkeepers who, above all others, excelled in keeping their goal untouched, becoming true masters of the Manchester United clean sheet.
1. David de Gea
- Country: Spain
- Career Span: 2011–2023
David de Gea, born in Madrid, is the top goalkeeper for Manchester United. He started at Atlético Madrid, winning the UEFA Europa League, before joining Manchester United in 2011 for £18.9 million. During his time at United, he won various titles and individual awards, making over 500 appearances.
He was seen as Spain’s future goalkeeper, He made his senior debut in 2014, playing in the 2014 World Cup and later becoming Spain’s starting goalkeeper. Despite criticism, he maintained his position until losing it for UEFA Euro 2020. In total, De Gea achieved 190 clean sheets in 545 matches for Manchester United.
| Competition | Clean Sheets (Matches) |
|---|---|
| League | 147 (415) |
| FA Cup | 6 (28) |
| League Cup | 8 (16) |
| Europe | 28 (82) |
| Other | 1 (4) |
| Total | 190 (545) |
2. Peter Schmeichel
- Country: Denmark
- Career Span: 1991–1999
Peter Schmeichel, ranked 2nd among Manchester United goalkeepers with the most clean sheets. He was known for his imposing physique and vocal leadership on the field. His career highlights include four consecutive European Championship tournaments, winning the 1998 Champions League, and securing three English championships in the 1990s with United.
Schmeichel played a crucial role in Denmark’s 1992 European Championship victory. Recognized as the IFFHS World Goalkeeper of the Year, he achieved a total of 180 clean sheets in 398 matches for Manchester United.
| Competition | Clean Sheets (Matches) |
|---|---|
| League | 129 (292) |
| FA Cup | 19 (41) |
| League Cup | 8 (17) |
| Europe | 21 (42) |
| Other | 3 (6) |
| Total | 180 (398) |
3. Alex Stepney
- Country: England
- Career Span: 1966–1978
Alex Stepney, ranked 3rd among Manchester United goalkeepers with the most clean sheets. He began as an amateur with FC Millwall and turned professional in 1963. He joined Manchester United in 1966 after a brief stint at FC Chelsea.
Stepney played a key role in winning the league title in 1967 and the Master Cup the following season. His international debut for England was in 1968, and he participated in the 1970 World Cup. He won the FA Cup with United in 1977. In total, he achieved 175 clean sheets in 539 matches for Manchester United.
| Competition | Clean Sheets (Matches) |
|---|---|
| League | 137 (433) |
| FA Cup | 15 (44) |
| League Cup | 13 (35) |
| Europe | 9 (19) |
| Other | 1 (4) |
| Total | 175 (539) |
4. Gary Bailey
- Country: England
- Career Span: 1978–1987
Gary Bailey holds the 4th spot among Manchester United goalkeepers with the most clean sheets. Joining Manchester United in 1978, he succeeded long-time goalkeeper Alex Stepney.
Bailey’s career faced challenges, including missing the 1986/87 season due to a knee injury sustained during the 1986 World Cup. Despite setbacks, he made a comeback with the Kaizer Chiefs in 1988 before retiring in 1990. In total, Gary Bailey achieved 161 clean sheets in 375 matches for Manchester United.
| Competition | Clean Sheets (Matches) |
|---|---|
| League | 124 (294) |
| FA Cup | 16 (31) |
| League Cup | 12 (28) |
| Europe | 8 (20) |
| Other | 1 (2) |
| Total | 161 (375) |
5. Edwin van der Sar
- Country: Netherlands
- Career Span: 2005–2011
Edwin van der Sar is ranked 5th among Manchester United goalkeepers with the most clean sheets. Starting his senior career in the early 1990s, he was a key part of Ajax’s golden generation, winning the UEFA Champions League in 1995. After stints at Juventus and Fulham, he joined Manchester United in 2005, winning another Champions League title in 2008.
Considered one of the best goalkeepers ever, van der Sar retired in 2011 but briefly returned in 2016 for a match with VV Noordwijk. He earned 130 caps for the Netherlands. Known for his remarkable achievements, he won 26 major trophies, including numerous individual awards for his goalkeeping prowess.
He also holds the record as the oldest player to win the Premier League, achieving this feat in 2011 at the age of 40 years and 205 days. With a total of 135 clean sheets in 266 matches for Manchester United, van der Sar left an indelible mark on the footballing world.
| Competition | Clean Sheets (Matches) |
|---|---|
| League | 92 (186) |
| FA Cup | 6 (13) |
| League Cup | 1 (5) |
| Europe | 34 (56) |
| Other | 2 (6) |
| Total | 135 (266) |
6. Alfred Steward
- Country: England
- Career Span: 1920–1932
Alfred Steward, ranked 6th among Manchester United goalkeepers with the most clean sheets. He joined as an amateur in 1919. He turned professional in 1920 and became a regular in the 1923–24 season. Steward played a crucial role as United won promotion to the First Division. Between 1924 and 1927, he missed only 7 league games out of 139.
After leaving in 1932, he joined Manchester North End and later managed Altrincham. Steward retired in 1938, took over as secretary-manager at Torquay United, and stayed until the club closed in 1940. In total, he achieved 96 clean sheets in 326 matches for Manchester United.
| Competition | Clean Sheets (Matches) |
|---|---|
| League | 92 (309) |
| FA Cup | 4 (17) |
| League Cup | 0 (0) |
| Europe | 0 (0) |
| Other | 0 (0) |
| Total | 96 (326) |
7. Harry Moger
- Country: England
- Career Span: 1903–1912
Harry Moger holds the 7th position among Manchester United goalkeepers with the most clean sheets. He was acquired by Manchester United in May 1903, with the club recognizing his potential during his time at Southampton. Moger remained with United until his retirement in 1912.
Throughout his career at Manchester United, Moger made 266 appearances, contributing to the team’s success in securing Football League titles in 1907–08 and 1910–11, as well as winning the FA Cup in 1909. In total, Harry Moger achieved 92 clean sheets in 266 matches for Manchester United.
| Competition | Clean Sheets (Matches) |
|---|---|
| League | 83 (242) |
| FA Cup | 8 (22) |
| League Cup | 0 (0) |
| Europe | 0 (0) |
| Other | 1 (2) |
| Total | 92 (266) |
8. Jack Crompton
- Country: England
- Career Span: 1946–1955
Jack Crompton, ranked 8th among Manchester United goalkeepers with the most clean sheets, played for the club from 1944 to 1956. He was part of the FA Cup-winning team in 1948 and contributed to the league title in 1952. After retiring, he worked as a trainer, briefly managed Luton Town, and returned to Manchester United.
He made a final return to Manchester United, overseeing the reserve team for seven years before retiring. As one of the last survivors of the 1948 FA Cup-winning team, Crompton was actively involved in commemorating the club’s history. He passed away on July 4, 2013, at the age of 91. In total, Jack Crompton achieved 67 clean sheets in 212 matches for Manchester United.
| Competition | Clean Sheets (Matches) |
|---|---|
| League | 59 (191) |
| FA Cup | 8 (20) |
| League Cup | 0 (0) |
| Europe | 0 (0) |
| Other | 0 (1) |
| Total | 67 (212) |
9. Ray Wood
- Country: England
- Career Span: 1949–1958
Ray Wood, ranked 9th among Manchester United goalkeepers with the most clean sheets. He played a significant role in the 1956 and 1957 Football League championship-winning teams. Recognized for his speed and agility, Wood had the option to pursue a career as a professional sprinter but chose football instead. He represented England at the international level from 1954 to 1956.
After retiring from playing in 1968, Wood ventured into football management, overseeing clubs in the United States, Cyprus, Greece, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates. In total, Ray Wood achieved 55 clean sheets in 208 matches for Manchester United.
| Competition | Clean Sheets (Matches) |
|---|---|
| League | 43 (178) |
| FA Cup | 4 (15) |
| League Cup | 0 (0) |
| Europe | 6 (12) |
| Other | 2 (3) |
| Total | 55 (208) |
10. Frank Barrett
- Country: Scotland
- Career Span: 1896–1900
Frank Barrett, ranked 10th among Manchester United goalkeepers with the most clean sheets. He began his career with Dundee Harp and later joined Dundee Football Club in 1893. During his time with Dundee, he made 49 appearances and earned two caps for Scotland in 1894 and 1895. In September 1896, Barrett signed with Newton Heath, now known as Manchester United.
In May 1900, he left for New Brighton Tower, returning briefly to Manchester in 1901 to make eight appearances for Manchester City. In 1903, Barrett became one of the founding players of Aberdeen Football Club. Tragically, he passed away in 1907 at the age of 35. After Barrett’s death, Manchester United provided financial support by gifting £35 to his widow. In total, Frank Barrett achieved 54 clean sheets in 136 matches for Manchester United.
| Competition | Clean Sheets (Matches) |
|---|---|
| League | 50 (122) |
| FA Cup | 4 (14) |
| League Cup | 0 (0) |
| Europe | 0 (0) |
| Other | 0 (0) |
| Total | 54 (136) |
