Lindegaard proud to play for United

04 August 2012 09:47

Anders Lindegaard says there is nowhere he would rather be than Manchester United, after signing a new four-year contract.

A Red Devils fan as a kid, Lindegaard knew he was arriving as back-up to Edwin van der Sar when he signed from Norwegian outfit Aalesunds 18 months ago. The 28-year-old famously introduced himself by declaring he was not at Old Trafford "to pick my nose".

And, until an ankle injury ended his season in January, he had been as good as his word, ousting £17million man David de Gea with a string of solid mid-season displays, and said: "I'm very pleased to have signed a new contract. I'm glad and proud that the manager has shown the confidence he has in me by giving me a new deal."

"There is nowhere in the world I would rather be than right here. The competition for places is tough, as it should be in a club like this. It only makes us better as individuals and, more importantly, stronger as a team.

"It's what I have dreamt of all my life and nothing makes me more proud than wearing the Manchester United badge."

Lindegaard will be will be part of the United squad that heads to Norway for Sunday's friendly with Valerenga.

De Gea will also be present after Spain's surprisingly early Olympic demise.

And manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits it presents him with a welcome headache ahead of the new campaign.

"There is healthy competition in the goalkeeping department which is always good for the team, albeit a headache for me," the Scot said.

"I am delighted he has signed a new contract and also delighted to see that he has clearly returned from the summer break in good shape after the disappointment of suffering an injury last season."

Source: PA