Lindegaard eyes No.1 spot

Manchester United’s Anders Lindegaard insists he is not scared of challenging David de Gea to be the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

The Dane was on the bench for the club’s 2-1 win at The Hawthorns on Sunday and watched on as the Spaniard’s error in the first half gifted an equaliser to West Brom.

Lindegaard believes he has what it takes to star for the Premier League champions and said De Gea’s hefty price tag will not be a deciding factor in the battle for the number one spot.

“I’m not scared about being number one, that’s why I came here – to play and be the best,” Lindegaard told the Daily Mirror.

“It doesn’t matter who cost what, the manager will make his decision on who plays in goal, that’s it.”

“I have no fear and I have belief in my own ability to perform at this level, otherwise I wouldn’t be here.”

“I’m proud to have created a debate over the goalkeeper position. But I want more than that.”

“I want more than making it a difficult decision for the boss. I want to play regularly.”

However, despite the competition at the club, the Denmark international said he and the Spaniard get on well, and that they will learn from each other.

“We’re very similar, but I’m sure I can learn a thing or two from him, just as he probably can learn a thing or two from me,” Lindegaard said.

“He’s a good kid and he’s very easy to work with. There’s a good atmosphere in training and the competition between us is very healthy.”

The 27-year-old also confessed to the difficulty he has had in making himself accepted at last season’s Champions League finalists.

The keeper joined from Aalesund in January but has been restricted to a limited number of appearances for the Red Devils.

“It’s been challenging,” Lindegaard said. “Being accepted is very hard.”

“The hierarchy in the dressing room is based on how often you play and how good you are.”

“It’s only over the last month or so that I’ve felt accepted and feel I’ve found my place in the group.”

“Up until now, it’s been necessary to think before speaking. That’s been hard.”