De Gea's backup admits he's dying to take over

Anders Lindegaard has piled the pressure on calamity keeper David De Gea by insisting he is not scared at being Manchester United No.1.

De Gea’s latest howler, in United’s 2-1 win over West Brom, has raised the question of whether the raw 20-year-old is ready for the high-profile role vacated by Edwin van der Sar last season.

It came on the back of a similar blunder in the Community Shield from an £18.3million signing who had also looked less than convincing on United’s pre-season tour of the US.

Now Lindegaard, currently No.2 to De Gea, has declared himself ready to become first-choice under Sir Alex Ferguson, turning up the heat on his goalkeeping rival.

“I’m not scared about being No.1,” said Lindegaard. “That’s why I came here - to play and be the best.

“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.”

Lindegaard said he gets on with De Gea and claimed the rivalry between them could only be good for United.

“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,” said the 26-year-old.

“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.”

Lindegaard also admitted it had taken him time to be accepted in the United dressing-room.

“It’s been challenging,” he 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.”