Shades Of Edwin

In Anders Lindegaard, United have signed a goalkeeper bearing a key hallmark of Edwin van der Sar, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Norwegian, who scouted Lindegaard during Aalesund’s Europa League trip to Motherwell earlier this season, says the Danish international has the required skills with the ball at his feet to fit in with United’s ethos of possession play.

“It’s dangerous to say, but he’s very good with his feet so he reminds me of Edwin, in the way he can play football,” Solskjaer told ManUtd.com.

“He can pick out players and that’s one of the strengths of his game. I like that about him. He didn’t have too many saves to make in the Motherwell game, but I’ve watched him on telly a few times for Denmark and he’s a very good shot-stopper.”

Solskjaer also spoke at length with Aalesund manager Kjetil Rehkdal, a fellow former Norwegian international, about Lindegaard’s suitability for a role at a major club like United.

“Kjetil’s a very good friend of mine, and he says he has the mentality to be a number one goalkeeper,” said Solskjaer. “Of course, that’s a good thing. And he’s Danish, so we have to cross our fingers that he’s like Peter Schmeichel!

“Plus I’m sure that with the coaching here he’ll improve. You see potentially a very, very good keeper, and with the coaching here he’ll be alright.”