Having finalised his move to Manchester United in November, Anders Lindegaard must be chomping at the bit to finally make an appearance for the first team and show what he can do.
Lindegaard has already turned out for the reserves in the effortless 8-0 drubbing of Bury but he plans on facing sterner tests and as soon as possible as he targets the #1 jersey.
Edwin Van Der Sar is expected to retire at the end of the season and despite his signing and Tomasz Kuszczak claiming he is ready to step up and fill the inevitable void, Van Der Sar’s absence will create, many have advocated the signing of another keeper with the likes of Julio Cesar, Rene Adler and Manuel Neuer all being mentioned but Lindegaard is keen on staking his claim and showing why he is in the man for the job.
Speaking exclusively to M.E.N, the Danish international spoke of joining United and his plans now that he is here:
“I am not scared about the future. I don’t get scared about playing a match, I look forward to it. That is the way it should be and I look forward to the Old Trafford challenge. I want to be the best. I want to be first choice here. I am not here because I want to be on the bench.”
“I am here because I want to be the best. This is the place where you can be the best and be respected as the best. I am not thinking about Edwin’s situation. I only focus on things I can do something about and that is me. I am completely ignoring all the speculation and talk about other goalkeepers and that I am here just as a number two. I cannot do anything about that so I don’t think about that. It won’t help me to be thinking about what if this and what if that. I cannot do anything about it. That would ruin my focus.”
Speaking ahead of the move, United legend voiced his concerns about Lindegaard’s ability to be United’s number 1 but Lindegaard isn’t bothered by his hero’s words instead he plans on using them as motivation:
“Peter’s words didn’t hurt me. It is sad he doesn’t have the same admiration for me that I have for him! I don’t use energy on what Peter believes or thinks about me if it is not positive. I just don’t use my energy on anything that is not positive for me and I can use in a positive way. On the other hand, it is a very big motivation for me. If someone says you are not good enough and are not going to make it, it is a very big motivation. You are able to surprise people and prove them wrong.”
Lindegaard appears to be making all the right noises and from the little he had to do against the mighty Bury on Monday, he appears to have some ability (that was a top draw save!).
Whether he is being groomed for the number one position or not remains to be seen but the position is up for grabs and if he gets a chance from his utterances you have to expect him to grab it with both hands.
