David De Gea Or Anders Lindegaard? Who Should Play Against Manchester City

Everyone has been talking about the various battles which will take place in the highly awaited Manchester derby: Vincent Kompany vs. Wayne Rooney, David Silva vs. Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand vs. Sergio Aguero and many more.

But no one has talked about the key battle for a place between the sticks which shall go until the starting line-up is announced by Sir Alex Ferguson - Anders Lindegaard vs. David De Gea.

It has been no secret that Sir Alex Ferguson has been struggling to find a first choice goal keeper.  He has been rotating his two shot-stoppers but this has caused more problems than provide a solution. It simply adds to the ambiguity among a continually-changing back four.

25 Goals In 19 Games

De Gea’s shot stopping is very impressive. He pulls off the eye-catching close-range balls and his instinctive saves are a joy to watch. But his ability to take charge of his area has been unimpressive. He has taken a battering from the opposition and looks particularly disposed at corners. In recent weeks his previously pinpoint distribution has gone missing. He also is a victim of concentration lapses.

De Gea has let in 17 goals in the league after 14 appearances and in all games 25 goals in 19 appearances.

Just Three Goals In Six Matches

Anders Lindegaard has told the press that he is here to become United’s No.1 and not to ‘pick his nose’. He seems to be of a slightly sturdier build and maybe this helps him do what De Gea fails to – retain confidence while claiming high balls especially when under pressure from the opposition.

He has an aura of command in the penalty box which definitely is an advantage and Lindegaard does not look the kind who will be bullied by the opposition. He is good in dealing with crosses and doesn’t look susceptible to corners. He has made a match winning save more than once for United this season. Concentration for him is not a problem. His distribution has been gnarly from day one. He has a physical presence that enables him to command and his shot-stopping is also decent. There is no apparent limitation in his game that stands out.

The Dane has conceded only three goals in six starts (all in one match), and let in 0.5 goals for every game he plays. Lindegaard has 5 clean sheets in 6 Premier League games which is the same as De Gea’s (in 14 PL games)

So who should play for the Red Devils against the Sky Blues? De Gea can be excused on his tender age and there is no doubt that he is an investment for the future but United are paying for it now. The only way to gain quality is to play.

The United fans that persevere that De Gea simply needs matches are moderately right, but Ferguson cannot put the Spaniard’s yearning for game time above United's requisite for persistence.

Lindegaard has impressed in all his performances so far. The only match in which he conceded goals was against Newcastle. The two goals from Ba and Cabaye were unstoppable. No one could have stopped those and one need not even mention Jones’ own goal. It was bizarre. That too in its own way was unstoppable. Therefore Ferguson should support the Dane and give him a chance against Man City.

Ferguson was extremely vocal in his support for De Gea earlier this season and emphasised on copious occasions that the Spaniard remained his numero uno. Lindegaard also deserves the same support from the manager given his top class performances.

Ferguson’s goalkeeper selection will certainly facade a point of interest and although we feel Lindegaard is the ideal choice, irrespective of who takes the spot, the pressure will unquestionably be on.

Whom must Sir Alex Ferguson hand a start to - De Gea or Lindegaard? Let us know your opinion by leaving a comment below.

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