Anders: Keepers Bond Is Strong

Anders Lindegaard says he has never felt a stronger bond with his fellow goalkeepers than the one he is currently experiencing at Manchester United.

The Dane's main role during the current campaign has been as understudy to David De Gea and although that has limited his chances in the first team - he has made only one appearance apiece in the Capital One Cup and FA Cup - Anders insists relations between the Reds' number one and number two stoppers are good.

"I really enjoy working with David, he's a great guy," said Lindegaard, in a recent interview with United Review. "We are serious in our work when we need to be but we also have a lot of fun together.

"As a footballer, you always want to help others and you always want to be helped and that's what the keepers do for each other. There has always been a special bond between goalkeepers anyway, but I must say I think what we have here is stronger than anything I've seen anywhere else."

De Gea's excellent form has led to him being firmly established as David Moyes' first choice between the posts, but Lindegaard is ready to step up as and when he is required.

"I enjoy the spirit among everyone and I feel very good physically," he said. "From a fitness point of view, I don't think I have ever been as sharp in my time here as I am right now, but at the same time I've never played so few games as I have done this season.

"That's difficult to deal with, but that's how it is, and I just have to keep my head held high and wait for my chance. I want to help United do as well as possible by being ready and available at my highest level whenever I'm needed."

Lindegaard gives much of the credit for his state of readiness to United goalkeeping coach Chris Woods. Capped 43 times by England during a 20-year career in top-level club football, Woods has brought his considerable experience to bear at the Aon Training Complex.

"Chris has been fantastic," acknowledged Anders. "He is a world-class goalkeeping coach and, even though I am not playing, I can't imagine not enjoying training with him. Enjoying your training is a big part of helping to keep you ready when you're needed and I enjoy everything about what we do.

"He gives us a lot of support. He's very clear on what he wants from us, but he also accepts us for who we are. He doesn't try to turn us into something he thinks we should be. Everything works very easily between us all."

Lindegaard himself has been praised by one of his juniors in the goalkeeping pecking order, Sam Johnstone, for the encouragement and advice he has given him. Anders explained why he feels it's natural to nurture.

"I remember when I was a kid having one of the older and more experienced goalkeepers I was working with taking me aside and saying, 'Listen, you need to work on this and on this.' He really helped me and it's something I've always thought of during my career and I want to be able to do the same for the young keepers. So I will always try to help and encourage them."