Manuel Neuer Launches Into Wild Flying Clearance Against Union Berlin

Manuel Neuer provided a reminder that leaving his penalty area remains considerably more interesting to him than staying inside it during Bayern Munich’s 7-0 victory over Union Berlin.

The 40-year-old raced from his goal to intercept a forward pass before launching himself into an airborne clearance with an Union attacker approaching.

Neuer reached the ball cleanly, sent it away from danger and avoided making contact with the opposition player. It was effective goalkeeping, although considerably more dramatic than the situation appeared to require.

A mistimed connection could easily have turned the moment into a foul and potentially a red card. Neuer instead judged it perfectly and returned to his penalty area as though flying through the air with his studs raised was the most sensible option available.

Bayern were already in control of a match they eventually won by seven goals, with Neuer otherwise required to make only two saves.

Most goalkeepers would have allowed their defender to handle the situation or cleared the ball without temporarily becoming an outfield player.

Neuer has spent much of his career demonstrating that those restrictions are intended for other goalkeepers.