• Premier League

Lindegaard warns Fergie he will fight to be No. 1

ESPN staff
September 16, 2011
Anders Lindegaard salutes the away fans © Getty Images
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Goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has made it clear he is determined to establish himself as Manchester United's No. 1, despite Sir Alex Ferguson's furious reaction to questions over David de Gea's status.

Lindegaard performed well in his first start of the season on Wednesday, making a number of eye-catching saves as United were held to a 1-1 draw by Braga in Portugal. But Ferguson raised eyebrows with his angry reaction to questions about whether De Gea - the £18 million summer signing - would retain his place as first-choice for much longer.

"David de Gea will play on Sunday [against Chelsea]," Ferguson said after the match. "That was the understanding we had before the game. I don't know why you ask these questions, you're just looking for stupid little things."

However Lindegaard, who only moved to Old Trafford from Aalesunds for around £3.5m at the start of 2011, has warned he will not be content to simply be the Spaniard's long-term back-up.

"If you expect me to say I am happy to be No. 2 that is not how it is," Lindegaard said. "I am here because I want to be No. 1.

"I have said a thousand times I am not here to pick my nose."

The 27-year-old believes their respective transfer fees will not put pressure on the manager to play De Gea over his less expensive colleague.

"No, I don't feel like that," he said. "But my opinion does not matter. The manager has proved he is the best manager in the world and I will always respect his decisions."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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