Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has stated his intention to challenge David De Gea for the number one spot at the club.
The Danish keeper was in fine form for the Red Devils during last night’s 1-1 draw with Benfica and now he has a taste for first-team action, he isn’t prepared to give it up lightly.
When asked about his desire to be first-choice at Old Trafford, he said “What do you expect me to answer? I’m not here to pick my nose. I’m satisfied with my own performance but I’m sad I didn’t save the goal.”
De Gea was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer for a massive transfer fee, meaning that many were surprised that he missed out on the first Champions League game of the season.
However, Ferguson reacted angrily to questions about De Gea being dropped, saying: “I don’t know why you ask these questions. You’re just looking for stupid, little things.”
The Manchester United boss then revealed that De Gea would return to the side for this weekend’s Super Sunday clash with Chelsea, meaning that Lindegaard may have to pick his nose on the sidelines for this one.
As for last night’s game as a whole, it was a disappointing result for Manchester United, but it could have been a lot worse. Benfica had plenty of chances to win the game with Lindegaard making fine saves to deny Nolito and Nicolas Gaitan late on.
United’s goal was scored by veteran Ryan Giggs, who became the first player to ever score across 16 seasons of the Champions League.
Once Ferguson had moved on from discussing his goalkeepers, the Scotsman reserved praise for the 37-year-old midfielder.
He said: “It was a great goal. Once he got behind their central midfield he was a real threat. His goal came because of that. It was terrific.”
Attention now turns back to the Premier League for United with the already mentioned clash against Chelsea on Sunday.
It is a chance for Ferguson’s men to go five points clear of the Blues, a significant gap for this stage of the season, so it is all to play for at Old Trafford.
Chelsea will be determined to highlight their title credentials with a victory, while United – with De Gea in goal – will hope to get back to winning ways after being held to a draw in Portugal.
