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Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Karl Darlow made 38 appearances in three seasons for Leeds United By Simon Stone Manchester United reporter Published 57 minutes ago Manchester United have signed goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a two-year contract, with the option to extend by a further season. The move is likely to lead to the Old Trafford exit of Turkey international Altay Bayindir, who came close to joining Besiktas in January. Darlow's contract at Leeds expired this summer and although he was offered a new deal, he has opted to make the switch across the Pennines. Leeds did not reference rivals Manchester United in their own statement. "Leeds United can confirm Karl Darlow has left the club upon the expiration of his contract to pursue an opportunity elsewhere," Leeds said in a statement. "Despite the offer of a new deal to remain in West Yorkshire, the goalkeeper wished to explore a different challenge and leaves the Whites with the best wishes of everyone at Elland Road." Darlow finished the season as Daniel Farke's first-choice keeper. The 35-year-old Wales international has played a total of 279 games at club level and has 15 caps. "I am extremely proud to sign for Manchester United," he said. "I'm joining an excellent group of goalkeepers and I'm really looking forward to all pushing each other to ensure that we maintain the highest standards, which this club demands." Darlow is likely to start the season as deputy to first choice Senne Lammens. With Lammens taking a three-week break after Belgium's World Cup campaign, Darlow is set to play a role during Manchester United's pre-season, which starts against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July. Man Utd sign £48m Santos and close in on Tielemans Published 22 hours ago Follow Manchester United on BBC Sounds Pre-match, post-match and topical United content Listen on Sounds Subscribe and listen for everything you love about the Red Devils Related topics Manchester United Football Football Transfers Leeds United More on this story Latest Manchester United news, analysis and fan views Ask about Man Utd - what do you want to know?
Be respectful and constructive. Comments are moderated.
  • 0
    Darlows move to Man Utd is pure desperationLeeds needed a proven keeper, not a gamble on a 37-year-olds last hurrah. This is what happens when clubs prioritize ego over evidence-based recruitment.
  • 1
    Isnt it ironic that Leeds evidence-based recruitment failed them with Darlow, yet Uniteds gamble might actually work? The real question: does Darlows 38 appearances for Leeds really justify his move, or is this about desperate squad rebuilding vs. calculated risk?
  • 2
    Leeds sold their goalkeeper to fund a midfielder? Yeah, thats definitely not desperation. Darlows got more saves than your average fans hopes for this season. Real talk - if hes not the answer, neither are you. #ManUtd #LeedsUnited
  • 2
    38 appearances across three seasons doesnt scream *stellar* performance. But maybe Leeds evidence-based recruitment failed because they were chasing *perfection* instead of *reliability*. Darlows move to United feels more like a calculated risk than a gamblethough only time will tell if Uniteds faith in him pays off. **Character count: 187**