Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has stated that he is not happy playing second fiddle to David de Gea at Old Trafford, and wants a starting spot in Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.
The Danish goalkeeper looked in line to take over from the retiring Edwin van der Sar, but the signing of Spanish stopper De Gea has sparked increased competition for the number one jersey.
De Gea has started the Premier League games so far this season, but Lindegaard was preferred in Europe against Benfica on Wednesday, and is targeting more first team action.
“If you expect me to say I am happy to be No 2, that is not how it is. I am here because I want to be No 1. If you’re good enough, you are going to play. And in the end, if I am good enough, I am going to be No 1,” he told The Telegraph.
The Scandinavian continued by stating his respect for Ferguson, and claiming that De Gea’s large summer transfer fee should not automatically provide him with a starting berth.
“He has proven he is the best manager in the world and I will always respect and accept his decisions. I have not had many opportunities to show who I am, but this [Benfica] was one of them and it was a big game.
“It shows how good the competition is because it is not as clear as last year who is first choice and who is second. I think we have good competition. We have at least two top goalkeepers and Ben Amos as well, who is very promising.
“It is like that in all positions with United and that is how it should be,” he concluded.
De Gea looks set to be reinstated for United’s Premier League clash against Chelsea on Sunday, but Lindegaard helped his cause with a solid showing in midweek.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’centre’]