De Gea v Lindegaard

For the past few weeks there's been a lot of questions being raised by fans (and non-fans) of Man Utd regarding the goalkeeping situation. Two promising goalkeepers were given a fair share of action between the sticks by Sir Alex Ferguson. Even the 3rd choice, Ben Amos, had his opportunities during the Carling Cup matches. Here's my opinion on who should be the number one choice for Sir Alex. Let's breakdown the differences between De Gea and Lindegaard.

Let's start with De Gea. He's seen only a handful of matches during his time at Atletico Madrid. He was entrusted into action when the supposedly number one choice, Sergio Arsenjo was ruled out for the season with a knee ligament damage and 2nd choice Roberto Jimenez got himself injured during the winter period. I still remember he was wearing the number 43 in his first senior season with Atletico Madrid. This was back in the 2009/2010 season. A tall and skinny lad but he maintains his composure and his back four until Atletico surprisingly became the Europa League champions.

Fast forward to 2011/2012 where he signed with Man Utd. A relatively bold and brave move for a 21 year old to join such a historic club. Yeah, he made a few errors in the first few games for United, but he made ammends for it later on. He's command his goal area well lately until another howler from him against Blackburn cost United the match 3-2. His notable howlers were against Dzeko (Community Shield), Long (WBA) and FC Basel (Champions League) . Having said that, to replace Van der Sar, a legend for United, is no easy task. De Gea's only 21 years old and personally, he's become more mature, his judgment and his reflexes are getting better now. The only problems are his physic and language, his communication with his back four are limited. You better buck up on your English and gain some muscle son!!!

Let's move on to Lindegaard. He's 27 years old and look more built for the Premier League. A Dannish international and his reflexes is proving to be good too. He joined United back in 2010 January transfer window as an understudy of Van der Sar. He's been getting his chances lately and has performed when in goal for United. The advantage he has ahead of De Gea is that he can speak English. Communication is very important on the field especially when it's between your back four. Lindegaard has kept a number of clean sheets previously but when he's called upon after De Gea's howler, he simply dropped the ball. Two free kicks (Cabaye - Newcastle; Kolarov - Citeh) flew past him. I'd like to point out that the 2 free kick goals he conceded, was down to his fault. He's suppose to stand in the middle of the goal. If he was at the middle, I bet he could've make an easy save.

Having said that, I personally think that De Gea should return to the sticks for Man Utd and Lindegaard should be given games too. What United have now, are 2 great keepers and  with Sir Alex rotating those 2, can only benefit both of them. It keeps the 2 on their toes all the time. Well, theres another 18 matches to go til the end of the Premier League. It's gonna get bumpy now. Til next time, see ya lads!!!