What Man United official once privately told Gary Neville about David Raya looks even more silly now
David Raya is indisputably one of the best goalkeepers in world football.
The Arsenal number one has been sensational for the Gunners since he joined the club, and he was one of the biggest reasons why they won the Premier League title.
Raya has certainly developed since Mikel Arteta signed him, but everyone knew he was a top-class goalkeeper when he was still at Brentford.
Well, everyone except one person at Manchester United.
Manchester United official’s response to Gary Neville’s David Raya suggestion looks ridiculous now
When Arsenal signed David Raya from Brentford, many eyebrows were raised.
The Gunners already had Aaron Ramsdale, who was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League at the time.
Several people were against the idea of Raya replacing the Englishman, but Mikel Arteta was adamant that it had to happen, and he has been proven right.
That shows the Arsenal manager’s incredible eye for talent, but the same cannot be said about someone Gary Neville spoke to at Manchester United.
The Red Devils icon revealed in 2025 that before Raya joined Arsenal, he recommended the goalkeeper to his old club.
However, the response he received at the time will make you laugh today.
Neville said on Stick to Football last year: “I’d mentioned Raya to someone at United. I’d watched him quite a bit for Brentford [and] thought he looked a good goalkeeper.
“And they said, ‘Oh, he’s not good enough with his feet.’ The person I’d spoken to at United at the time… I remember thinking, ‘I’ve watched Raya a lot. He’s pretty good.’
“And you’re thinking, ‘He saves a lot of shots, he’s quite good at dominating his box, he’s quite brave.’ And [Neville’s contact] said, ‘No, he’s not good enough with his feet.'”
That comment looks even sillier now than it did at the time.
Raya is absolutely incredible with the ball. His passing range is up there with the best in the world, he is extremely composed even when he is pressed, and he is comfortable with both feet.
Arsenal owe a big thank you to those who decided he wasn’t good enough for Manchester United at the time.
Thanks to them, the Gunners didn’t face much competition when they signed Raya, who is now by far the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.
