Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised Anders Lindegaard's performance in the 1-1 Champions League draw with Benfica, but
hit out at perceived criticism of his fellow goalkeeper David De Gea.Lindegaard impressed on his debut in the competition as United came from behind to draw in Lisbon, with Ryan Giggs equalising after Oscar Cardozo's opener.
Lindegaard's performance only served to highlight question marks over big-money summer signing De Gea, though, following the Spaniard's hotly-debated start to the season.
Asked whether Lindegaard had given him a selection dilemma in choosing between he and De Gea in goal against Chelsea this weekend, Ferguson told ITV1: "No, not at all. David De Gea will play on Sunday. That was the understanding we had before the game, and it doesn't change.
"I don't know why you ask these questions, you're just looking for stupid little things. Anyway ... it proves we have two terrific goalkeepers.''Ferguson said of the match: "Going a goal down but coming back was the good part of the game for us, in the first 30 minutes of the second half we played very well, maybe we should have finished it then.
"In the last 15 minutes they came into it and Anders made two terrific saves to keep us into it.''
Lindegaard was pleased with his night's work.
"It was very amusing, great fun and that's the most important part of why you play football - fun,'' he said. "I enjoyed it very much, it was a great night. It's a great stadium to play at, a very loud audience and also I could hear our own fans which was nice. This is why I came to United, to play these kind of games.
"There's always a bit of nerves and if there isn't then it's not that enjoyable. It makes me feel alive. I'm satisfied with my performance, just a bit sad that I didn't save the first goal.''
Asked about challenging for the first-team spot, Lindegaard said: "What answer do you expect to that question? I've said a thousand times before I'm not here to pick my nose.''
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