Manchester United player profile - Tomasz Kuszczak

Tomasz Mirosław Kuszczak, known widely as Manchester United and Poland goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak was born on 20 March 1982 in Krosno Odrzanskie, Poland. Tomasz Kuszczak played football at youth level for both Polish side Slask Wroclaw and German club KFC Uerdingen 05 before joining German Bundesliga side Hertha BSC in 2000. At Hertha BSC Tomasz Kuszczak remained in the reserves until his promotion to the first team in 2001, however he was the third choice goalkeeper and as such did not make a single appearance in the Bundesliga all season. Despite this lack of first team action Tomasz Kuszczak made his debut for Poland in an away match against Malta on 11 December 2003, they won the match 4-0. The first team appearance drought at Hertha continued over the following seasons until Tomasz Kuszczak's contract expired at the end of the 03/04 season. Following his release by Hertha Tomasz Kuszczak was signed by English Premiership side West Bromwich Albion.

Tomasz Kuszczak made his debut for West Brom on 18 September 2004 in the Premiership in a home match against Fulham, the match ended 1-1. Tomasz Kuszczak made his second appearance 3 days later in the League Cup against Colchester United however West Brom lost the match 2-1. It was over seven months before Tomasz Kuszczak appeared for West Brom again in the Premiership in West Brom's second from last match against Manchester United. During the first half of the game Tomasz Kuszczak came on as a substitute for the injured Russell Hoult and he performed so well in the 1-1 draw that he received the man of the match award. Tomasz Kuszczak went on to play in West Brom's final match of the season againts Portsmouth, he again performed well keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 win which saw 'the Baggies' survive a relegation battle to remain in the Premiership.

Tomasz Kuszczak became first choice keeper during the 05/06 season due initially to an injury to Chris Kirkland, however, Tomasz Kuszczak retained the position upon Kirkland's return. The impressive performances by Tomasz Kuszczak had raised his profile and brought him to the attention of some of the Premierships bigger clubs. He was part of the Poland squad that travelled to the Germany 2006 Fifa World Cup Finals however he was not selected to play during the tournament, but after the finals, a month of negotiations resulted in Tomasz Kuszczak's move to Manchester United on 10 August 2006. The deal also saw goalkeeper Luke Steele and defender Paul McShane go to West Brom in return for Tomasz Kuszczak's move to Old Trafford. The Manchester United debut for Tomasz Kuszczak came in a Premier League match against Arsenal on 17 September 2007 and although United lost the game 1-0 Tomasz Kuszczak did manage to save a penalty from Gilberto Silva. In his first season Manchester United won the 2007 Premier League and although Tomasz Kuszczak made only six appearances he received a winner's medal by special application to the Premier League. In the following 07/08 season and to date Tomasz Kuszczak remains the second choice keeper at Manchester United due to the good form of Edwin Van der Sar.