What to Make of:Tomasz Kuszczak

When his move to Manchester United from West Brom was made permanent in 2007 after a season-long loan, the future looked bright for Tomasz Kuszczak. After a tireless pursuit in which it seemed as if the Hawthorns outfit had held off the desires of Alex Ferguson and company, but it was not to be for the Baggies and Kuszczak left for the Manchester giants. He knew he would be the understudy to Dutch stalwart Edwin Van Der Sar, but being the number 2 for one of the most powerful clubs in Europe, as well as the starter for the Polish U21 side, surely left Kuszczak feeling confident in his future accomplishments. During their double winning campaign in 07/08, he made 16 appearances in all competitions and kept 8 clean sheets. However this year has seen a resurgence in now healthy Ben Foster, who was forgotten by most due to his extensive injury problems over the last year or so. This season Foster has cemented his role as the backup to Van der Sar, and his performance in the League Cup, especially in the final in which he was the hero of United's cause, have led many to believe he will replace the Dutchman in the coming years as United's first choice, precisely the role Kuszczak thought he would have when he penned a two contract extension in September 2008. And with Van der Sar seemingly in the best form of his career this season, despite his retirement imminent, it may be time for Kuszczak to think beyond the comfortable environment of Old Trafford, where Ferguson would of course be delighted to keep him on board as a Community Shield/Carling Cup/Foster deputy should Foster go on to be the starter. Also factoring into his current predicament is his aspirations for the national team. He has stated in the past he badly wants to be Poland's number one, but lack of playing time has seen Arsenal deputy keeper Lukasz Fabianski cement his place as the successor to Celtic netminder Artur Boruc. Surely Kuszczak is a talented keeper who would interest many clubs in both the Premier League and among a host of Europe's top sides. A few potential destinations that come to mind are Tottenham, Roma, Valencia, Newcastle, and Zenit St Petersburg. Kuszczak must realize he will not be forced out of United as Ferguson is content to keep his backups and reserves inactive, and must take his future into his own hands a la Chris Eagles.

- Andrew McCarten