Anders Follows The Leaders

Anders Lindegaard has revealed that the senior players are steering United through the title run-in.

The Reds have a 15-point lead at the Barclays Premier League summit ahead of Saturday's visit to Sunderland but there is a real focus on guarding against any complacency with second-placed Manchester City heading to Old Trafford on 8 April.

In an exclusive interview with MUTV's Inside Carrington on Tuesday, the Danish keeper stressed the desire of those who have been in this situation before is providing an example for the others to follow.

"We are at a crucial stage of the season and have to stay sharp," he stated.

"I think it's very important for us not to look at the table right now. People from outside will say we've put ourselves in a comfortable situation but it's very important for us to take it game by game so we don't get to relax.

"Of course, it's a good position to be in but it's something we cannot think about. I think you can feel it in the team now, especially with the more experienced players, that we're entering the late stage of the season when all the medals are going to be given out.

"From Rio, Giggsy, Scholes and Vida, you can really feel it with the players who have done it before and see how determined they are and how important it is to them.

"The younger and less experienced players try to look to them leading us in the right direction, reminding us every day to stay sharp, not to relax and to keep going."

Lindegaard is looking forward to heading to the Stadium of Light on Saturday to help erase some of last May's painful memories. The home supporters celebrated as news of Sergio Aguero's dramatic title-clinching winner filtered through and the keeper admits that could provide added motivation to pick up another three points.

"Personally, I didn't see them cheering as I was on my way from the seat in the stands to the locker room," he recalled. "I was injured at the time but had a feeling we were probably going to win. Unfortunately we didn't. When you have an experience like that and if you feel something is against you, like the fans in Sunderland, hopefully it's something we can remember to use it in a positive way at the weekend.

"We'll go up there and be determined to win the game."