--- title: "A look at Anders Lindegaard" canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/07/03/a-look-at-anders-lindegaard/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" section: "Features" published: "2015-07-03T13:24:59Z" modified: "2015-07-03T13:24:59Z" --- # A look at Anders Lindegaard **United Career** In November 2010, the relatively unknown Anders Lindegaard joined United from Danish team Aalesund for a fee of £4.4 million, but he transfer wasn’t finalised until the start of the winter transfer window, in January 2011. He made his debut later that same month, in a 2-1 win against Southampton in the FA Cup Fourth Round. The following season, goalkeeper David De Gea made the move from Atletico Madrid to Manchester United, after Edwin van der Sar’s retirement. Despite De Gea’s large transfer fee of 17.6 million, Lindegaard wasn’t settled for being United’s number two, and was often given opportunities when the Spaniard’s form dropped. (Transfer Fee Source: Transfermarkt) Over the course of Ferguson’s last two seasons in charge, Lindegaard made 23 appearances for United, but has seen less game time due to the arrival of different managers and ultimately De Gea’s peak in performance. He only made 3 appearances during David Moyes’ reign and was clearly out of favour with Louis van Gaal, as he didn’t make a first team appearance last season. Lindegaard fell further down the pecking order with the arrival of recently recuperated Victor Valdes, as he signed for the Red Devils last January on a free transfer. **Best/Worst Moments** One of the highlights of Lindegaard’s United career, and what will be remembered for by most fans was his save against Sergio Aguero’s long-range effort, that was curling into the top corner. His performance helped United beat their city rivals, with a 3-2 win in the FA Cup. Lindegaard came under scrutiny during United 4-3 win over Reading, as the Royals scored two of their goals from corners. The Dane was criticised for not commanding his box, the same criticism David De Gea was getting during the same season. **Comparison to David De Gea and Victor Valdes** There are a number of different attributes that make a successful goalkeeper, but I want to focus on attributes that show key differences between the three United goalkeepers. *Distribution* Both Spaniards are known for being comfortable with their feet. Victor Valdes was part of the Barcelona team known for their “tiki-taka” style of play, trying to build up play from the back. De Gea’s accuracy and distance arguably puts him above Valdes in this department. Lindegaard does have a good level of distribution, but not quite at the same standard and consistency as De Gea or Valdes. \#1 – De Gea // #2 – Valdes // #3 – Lindegaard *Aerial Ability* The area of De Gea’s game that was weak when he first came to Old Trafford. Now, you have full confidence that De Gea will command his area when he is needed. He’s improved his strength, assertion and decision making, which all aids a keeper’s aerial ability. Despite Valdes’ small height for a goalkeeper, 6ft, he has a great leap to cancel out that disadvantage. He will experience physical tests from corners, something he isn’t a used to in Spain, but his experience at the highest level will surely help him if he’s given opportunities. Lindegaard is more often than not a reliable keeper to command the box to a decent level due to his height and confident decision making. \#1 – De Gea // #2 – Valdes & Lindegaard *Agility* This is perhaps the main attribute that separates De Gea and Valdes from Lindegaard. Their high levels of agility, the ability to alter their body movements and positions quickly is what makes them world class goalkeepers, as they can make saves that they’re not expected to make and win their teams games. \#1 – De Gea // #2- Valdes // #3 – Lindegaard Overall, Louis van Gaal’s current pecking order (De Gea #1, Valdes #2 and Lindegaard #3), is the correct one and most, if not all United fans would agree with. **Where could Lindegaard go?** Reported by GiveMeSport’s senior writer Liam Power, Danish club FC Midtjylland were in talks with United over a possible transfer for Lindegaard during the January transfer window earlier this year, but the two clubs never agreeing on a fee. Knowing a potential deal was unlikely to happen with Lindegaard, FC Midtjylland decided to sign Swedish keeper Johan Dahlin, most likely ruling them out of a possible destination for Lindegaard this summer, who only has one year left on his contract. If he’s on the search for first team football, possible deals within the Premier League are very limited. The vast majority of clubs seem to have settled on their number one goalkeeper. Only Aston Villa are a potential club on the search, after Brad Guzan got dropped for the ageing Shay Given. All newly promoted clubs to the top flight seem to already be in good hands. Championship winners Bournemouth have made Artur Boruc’s loan spell permanent and signed Adam Federici on a free transfer. Runners-up Watford recently signed Lithuanian Giedrius Arlauskis to partner Huerlho Gomes, whilst Norwich have England international John Ruddy between the posts. There may be more opportunities at Championship clubs if he wants to stay in England, but it’s unlikely he’ll want to take the step down. At the age of 31, he may want to return to his home country of Denmark, but it will depend if any Danish clubs will meet United’s fee demand. Lindegaard may have to endure another season in the stands and settle playing Under 21’s matches, before his contract expires and continues his career elsewhere.