De Gea ‘not first choice’

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has warned new signing David De Gea that he will not be the club’s automatic first choice goalkeeper.

The former Atletico Madrid ‘keeper joined the Old Trafford club earlier this summer and is expected to be the man to fill the void left by the recently retired Edwin Van Der Sar. Those looking at the Champions League final odds should bear this in mind.

However, United also have January signing Anders Lindegaard and exciting youngster Ben Amos on their books. The duo shared the goalkeeping responsibilities in the Red Devils convincing 7-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders and both proved they could provide the Spaniard with stiff competition after both produced solid performances against the MLS side.

The pairs’ displays have given Ferguson great heart and has warned his new signing not to take anything for granted.

“Obviously we have signed David de Gea as the main choice I would imagine” Ferguson told the press in America.

“But Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos have probably said to themselves they have an opportunity with Van der Sar retiring. It is an open door for me.”

The match was also Ashley Young’s first appearance for the club and the first time he has witness firsthand the sheer adulation that follows a club like United around. While the reception the side received in the States is nothing compared to that laid out by the club’s Asian fans, the reception has still been rapturous and Young says he is enjoying the new experience.

“This is fantastic for me,” he said. “You come to the United States and see the number of fans outside the hotel every day.

Red Devils boss Alex Ferguson will be hoping the added competition will help the club retain their Premiership title as well as helping them to once again challenge for the Champions League.