Sir Alex Ferguson declared there is “a healthy competition in the goalkeeping department” at Old Trafford after Anders Lindegaard penned a new four-year deal.
Goalkeeping Coach Eric Steele also recently challenged the Dane to start the season in goal at Goodison Park for United's season opener against Everton on August 20.
He had become first choice last season after David de Gea was dropped for a string of poor performances, including in the home defeat to Blackburn Rovers. However, injury ended Lindegaard's hopes of finishing the season as number one as de Gea was recalled and shone at the second time of asking.
How do the two battling it out to be Edwin van der Sar's long term successor compare?.......cont....
Shot stopping
De Gea:
After a shaky start, the Spaniard began to showcase his ability to make world class saves. He produced a string of memorable stops throughout the season, notably against Stoke City, away at Blackburn Rovers and at home to Ajax in the Europa League. Then there was the flying effort which denied Juan Mata a Chelsea winner in the 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge in February. 9/10
Lindegaard:
Though he perhaps lacks the agility required to make the jaw-dropping saves that De Gea often pulls off, Lindegaard is an assured stopper and is rarely beaten easily. He did not concede a goal in his first five Premier League games and was only beaten for the first time by a stunning effort from Newcastle's Demba Ba in the defeat on Tyneside in January. 8/10
Crosses
De Gea:
Concern over his dealing with crosses triggered Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to drop De Gea after the home defeat to Blackburn on New Year's Eve last season. And that occasion was not the only time the £18million man has looked uncertain in the air. The questions started in his debut last August against City in the Community Shield when he hesitated in coming for a free-kick allowing Joleon Lescott to head in. He also came under fire for his ability to command his area in the FA Cup defeat to Liverpool in January. However, a confident performance in a tough test against Norwich City as his form improved in February showed he is getting to grips with the rough and tumble of the Premier League. 7/10
Lindegaard:
As in most areas, Lindegaard is generally reliable in dealing with crosses and in commanding his area. He is also has a stronger build than de Gea to deal with the physical nature of the Premier League. However, in probably his greatest test so far (City away in the FA Cup), he looked nervous under the high ball and flapped at a number of deliveries. More action against the top teams will tell us more about his ability to deal with crosses and command his area in pressure situations. 7/10
Distribution
De Gea:
Like many of his outfield playing countrymen, de Gea is comfortable on the ball, as his predecessor Van der Sar was. His kicking at times has gone awry as a result of nerves, but it is an area in which he generally excels, both in receiving the ball under pressure and in playing it out whether with his hands or his feet. 8/10
Lindegaard:
The Dane is reliable, but perhaps does not have the technical skill of De Gea. Though his performance against City in the FA Cup didn't inspire too much confidence, he rarely makes mistakes with his distribution. 7/10
Reliability
De Gea:
Eight months ago, questioning de Gea's reliability would have drawn a chuckle after his error-strewn start at Old Trafford. Ever since Sergio Aguero's shot crept underneath him at Wembley in the Community Shield in August and then he failed to keep out Shane Long's effort for West Brom in the opening game of the Premier League season, questions have been asked. However, after returning to the team when Lindegaard picked up an injury and with the dodgy beginning behind him, he showed both consistency and brilliance. As he gains experience, it is also an area which is almost certain to improve in the coming years and one would expect the following mark to be one higher come this time next year. 7/10
Lindegaard:
It is harder to judge Lindegaard's reliability and composure after just 13 appearances for United's first team. He has generally looked error-free. Again, however, it is important to pick out his one really big game against Manchester City in January in which nerves clearly got the better of him, spilling Aguero's shot, allowing the Argentine to score City's second goal. This was the only costly error by the Dane in his first full season, however, and he has put in a number of good performances, notably at Benfica in the Champions League and against Norwich at Old Trafford. Might not produce the incredible saves De Gea does, but has produced fewer wobbly moments. 8/10
Experience
De Gea:
Despite being just 21 years of age, the Spaniard has accomplished plenty in his career to date. He racked up 57 league appearances at his former club Atletico Madrid and in addition was in goal for the side that won the Europa League against Fulham in 2010 and then the Super Cup against Inter Milan the same year. He also kept goal for Spain in their winning European Under-21 Championship team in 2011 and has played in a Copa del Ray final and the Olympics this summer. Being number one at Old Trafford is a different level altogether, though his experiences in his first campaign can only serve to help him in the future. 7/10
Lindegaard:
Lindegaard is seven years older than de Gea but is relatively inexperienced. He has five caps for Denmark, which is five more than de Gea has for Spain. However, he was only second choice in their European Championship squad behind Mikkel Andersen and would have been third choice had Stoke's Thomas Sorensen been fit. At club level, the greatest experience he has is playing for his previous club, Aalesunds in Norway. 6/10
Verdict
United have two good goalkeepers, both of whom are improving and pushing one another. As Eric Steele points out, there is a chance for Lindegaard to start the season with de Gea having been with the Spain squad at the Olympics. However, Ferguson spent big on De Gea for a reason and he has the potential to be United's number one for years to come.
Scores out of 50: David de Gea 38 Anders Lindegaard 36
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