Keepers Stake Claim

Competition for places will be a familiar theme at Old Trafford this season.

Few players are certain to start most games, and that includes new goalkeeper David de Gea.

The Spanish Under-21 stopper joined the Reds for the Seattle leg of the US tour, although he will only make his debut when United meet Chicago Fire on Saturday 23 July.

At CenturyLink Field on Wednesday evening, both Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos impressed; the Dane made two sharp saves in quick succession in the first period while Amos was called upon on three occasions after the break.

United may have splashed big money for de Gea this summer, but Sir Alex admits the door is still open for the club’s other goalkeepers to challenge the 20-year-old for the no.1 jersey.

“Obviously we’ve signed David de Gea and I’d imagine he’ll be the main choice,” the boss said at his post-match press conference. “But you have to say, the other two goalkeepers – Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos – have probably said to themselves that there’s an opportunity here with van der Sar retiring.

“So it’s an open door as far as I’m concerned. De Gea will play on Saturday in Chicago but they’ll all get their share of games [on tour]. Then the decision on whoever starts the season will depend on how de Gea settles.”

It’s not just between the posts where Sir Alex will have selection headaches. Out wide, the manager is spoiled for choice: Nani, Ji-sung Park, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Ryan Giggs can all play on the wing.

“There's competition there Nani played really well for us the whole of last season but when Valencia came back his form was so good that I couldn’t leave him out of the team. Nani was unfortunate not to be picked for the Champions League final but he’s maturing all the time. He’s a really, really good player. His personality is improving, too. He used to be a quiet lad, but he’s now come out of his shell. I think he’ll be challenging for a spot this season and he’ll play a lot of games.”