• Champions League

Spiky Ferguson grills interviewer over Lindegaard

ESPN staff
September 14, 2011
Sir Alex Ferguson felt Manchester United should have finished Benfica off in the second half © Getty Images
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Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed David De Gea will be his goalkeeper for Sunday's Premier League clash with Chelsea, despite the excellent performance of Anders Lindegaard in Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Benfica.

Lindegaard rescued United on several occasions during their Champions League opener, enabling Ryan Giggs to earn the Red Devils a point with his first-half equaliser. One particular save by Lindegaard, when he got down sharply to deny Nolito, was of world class calibre.

Ferguson was in spiky mood during his post-match interview, responding aggressively when asked if Lindegaard had done enough to earn himself a starting berth against Chelsea. The United boss revealed De Gea will play, and told his interviewer - who happens to be the daughter of Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish - to stop attempting to create problems.

"David De Gea will play on Sunday," Ferguson responded on ITV. "That was the understanding we had before the game, and it doesn't change.

"I don't know why you ask these questions, you're just looking for stupid little things. Anyway... it proves we have two terrific goalkeepers."

Lindegaard was one of eight changes to the United starting line-up, but Ferguson still felt his team should have killed the game off when they got on top early in the second half.

"Going a goal down but coming back was the good part of the game for us, in the first 30 minutes of the second half we played very well, maybe we should have finished it then," suggested the Scot. "In the last 15 minutes they came into it and Anders made two terrific saves to keep us in it."

A rueful Lindegaard lamented the one strike that he did not save in the contest, from Oscar Cardozo, but he warned goalkeeping rival De Gea that he has not arrived at Old Trafford to play second fiddle.

"I've said a thousand times before I'm not here to pick my nose," said Lindegaard. "I enjoyed it very much, it was a great night. It's a great stadium to play at, a very loud audience and also I could hear our own fans which was nice. This is why I came to United, to play these kind of games.

"There's always a bit of nerves and if there isn't then it's not that enjoyable. It makes me feel alive. I'm satisfied with my performance, just a bit sad that I didn't save the first goal."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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