Lindegaard wants to be best

Anders Lindegaard: Hoping to prove himself to Sir Alex Ferguson

Anders Lindegaard is setting his sights on the No.1 spot at Manchester United, but wants to earn the right to be their last line of defence.

It appeared at one stage last season as though fate was smiling on the Danish shot-stopper, with David de Gea's early struggles elevating him into Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team plans.

He was, however, forced to surrender his shirt after picking up an unfortunate ankle injury in training and found himself on the outside looking in for the remainder of the campaign.

A lack of domestic action also cost him an opportunity to shine at Euro 2012, with Denmark coach Morten Olsen restricting him to bench duty in Poland and Ukraine.

Lindegaard has, however, returned early from his summer break to join United's pre-season tour of South Africa and is determined to prove that he can be entrusted with keeping duties at Old Trafford - with De Gea currently away on Olympic duty with Spain.

"I want the No.1 spot because I am the best," he said.

"I don't want it because he (De Gea) is injured or he is not here.

"I am sure he is a bit in front right now because he did well last season, so I need to take every chance I get to prove myself worthy of the No.1 spot."

Frustrating

On his experiences last season, Lindegaard added: "If you look at it objectively, it was maybe one of the worst situations a football player has ever been in.

"I had worked for that spot since I was four. From the first time I touched the ball, that is what I dreamed of.

"It has been a very frustrating period, from the day I got injured until after the Euros.

"But I have to try and use it in a positive way. The disappointment was so big, if I let it drag me down, I will never get out of that hole again."