As United have swirled around the United States, delighting old fans and picking up new ones, a few things have become apparent.
Rooney isn’t looking to start this season as slowly as he did last, Ashley Young’s delivery can be deadly and he will get a fair few assists this season and Anders Lindegaard isn’t at Old Trafford to mess around.
Earlier this morning in his 45 minute cameo against the MLS Allstars, the Danish goalkeeper impressed all with his display. He met the challenges of long range efforts from David Beckham and Brad Davis with a strong will as well as a strong hand to keep United’s goal intact. It wasn’t his first good display on this tour either and surely this will now give Sir Alex as well as the newly arrived David De Gea something to think about.
Lindegaard has always said he didn’t come to United to ‘pick his nose’ and he has never given us reason to think otherwise. He put in solid displays last term in the two cup appearances he made but for some reason he was always seen as ‘a backup keeper’ and even after we signed him it was always expected we would sign another big name keeper.
Some may see his statements of intent as the usual spiel heard from players fighting for their positions having already made assertions on the capacity in which he will be used but having seen more of him and what he is capable of even Tiresias can see there is more than a little something about him.
Of course this may be slightly premature, Lindegaard played a full game against New England and two halves against Seattle and the MLS Allstars but I’d wager that he showed enough in these displays to Sir Alex to make him seriously think about the selection of his number one.
This isn’t a Lindegaard love in though, De Gea’s debut performance against Chicago was very promising. We are more than aware of what he is capable of and with his age it appears he can follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Edwin van der Sar, and have a long and fruitful career hopefully here at Old Trafford.
He has got the nod from Sir Alex and it is expected that he will indeed be our number 1 when the season starts despite questions being raised over his inability to speak English as well as his physique in the more physically Premier League. Yet there is hope for Lindegaard too as Sir Alex also stated that he expects the Dane to challenge and as seen with Hernandez last season, if you take your chances when they are presented you can expect to subvert the supposed natural order of things.
Common sense demands that it is the keeper we just splashed nearly £18m on that gets the nod between the two but the Anders is asking some real questions and if De Gea isn’t up to the task of answering them he can rest assured that Lindegaard will be more than willing to step in and do so.
I agree — Anders is looking the part.
He’s looked great so far. I was hoping we’d see more of him last season; but it was not to be for obvious reasons. As you mentioned, De Gea has the advantages of more hype and a large transfer fee; but Anders has the language and strength advantage. While it’s a bit premature, I’ve also been happy with his distribution too. Should make things interesting.
Spot on! Have slight quarrel about who ought to start though. Given communication issues and AL’s form during pre-season, I’d give him the nod to start for us this season, until there’s compelling reason to drop the fella.
Otherwise, if you let price tag and rep have any bearing on the issue then the whole idea of competition for places becomes compromised.
good news for us, another excellent signing
If I can caption the pic: (Anders) “Even my deep knee bends are better than yours. Maybe your next stretch should be picking your nose on the bench.”
can’t wait 4 de season 2 start
What’s the moral of this story? Nothing. 2 keepers and they will play on form. Utd’s main issue is not in goal, it’s in the central midfield and yes, right back.SAF should fix these crucial issues rather than gloat in fake glory by beating ameteur sides inthe USA.
John Tring
clueless, none of those side we beat in the usa are ameteurs, each one was a professional side.
Sir Alex didnt gloat once you idiot, he praised each opposition like the gentleman he is, the only boss in the prem lge to show any respect to the opposition.
midfield issue’s, no, we have anderson, cleverley, fletch, carrick…giggs can play there, we have exciting youngests in pogba, tunnicliffe (loan) and morrison. WE have a strong central midfield but the selfish fans cant see that, im positive that with this lot we will continue to dominate everyone in the prem lge like usual, the only side better is Barcelona.
We buy someone, we buy someone, we don’t, we don’t, United will survive and continue to be the english powerhouse.
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another note: de gea, lindegaard, amos- we have 3 very talented goalkeepers there and it will stand us in good stead for the upcoming season.
We aren’t covered at right back?
John Tring, what do you say of Rafael and Fabio?
Fabio showed last season that he can play at right back, and will provide competition for his brother. Jonny Evans and Phil Jones can also play there… So can Darren Fletcher.
We have a good side for the coming season. Cleverley will make his breakthrough.
The squad is good. The new signings will play their part.
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