Massimo Taibi: Ex-Man United man says he regrets “impulsive” decision
Massimo Taibi: Ex-Man United man says he regrets “impulsive” decision Former Manchester United goalkeeper Massimo Taibi has detailed his time at the club and how he regrets an “impulsive” decision he made. Infamous tenure Taibi joined United in August 1999, then as a high-profile signing from Italian outfit Venezia. He arrived in England with a strong, no-nonsense reputation earned during his time in Italy.
Widely tipped as the natural successor to the retired Peter Schmeichel , he became the focus of Sir Alex Ferguson’s attention after Schmeichel’s replacement, Mark Bosnich, suffered an injury, forcing the legendary manager to seek cover. United forked out £4. 5m to sign Taibi, who put pen to paper on a four-year contract.
But his time at Old Trafford was a massively disappointing one. He lasted only four Premier League appearances, all of which came in the 1999/2000 season, before he was shipped out on loan and then sold. Taibi enjoyed a good game in his debut against Liverpool, as the Red Devils came from behind to win 3-2.
He endured a nightmare start, failing to claim a high free-kick ball and allowing Sami Hyypiä a header, but he redeemed himself with a string of fine saves. The 56-year-old was unable to build on the positives as he made several howlers in subsequent games against Southampton and then Chelsea, the latter ending in a 5-0 loss for United. The Chelsea match was Taibi’s final appearance for United.
In January 2000, United loaned him out to Reggina in Serie A before then selling him in the summer of the same year. Taibi makes honest admission Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport , Taibi revealed how his move to United came about. He also expressed regret for leaving the club permanently, despite having a family emergency that he needed to go and solve.