Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard signed for United in January 2011 after agreeing a deal six weeks earlier and training with the Reds during much of December.

A vocal stopper who commands his penalty area, Lindegaard rose to prominence after a string of top displays for Norwegian side Aalesund, whom he joined in 2009 (initially on loan) from Odense in Denmark. He earned his first Denmark cap in September 2010 and has impressed on the international stage.

Comparisons to fellow Dane and former United great Peter Schmeichel have inevitably been made (and, like Big Pete, Anders is a good organiser of his

defenders) but it’s important to remember Lindegaard, although 26 when he arrived at Old Trafford, is still in the early stages of his career.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Anders is one of the brightest young goalkeepers in the game. The challenge at Manchester United is always to look to the future and, in Anders, we have signed a goalkeeper of great presence and even more promise."

Lindegaard was officially registered with the Premier League on 6 January 2011 and was given the no.34 shirt. The Dane made his United debut in the 2-1 FA Cup fourth round win at Southampton in January 2011.

His only other first-team appearance in 2010/11 came in the next round of the cup, in the 1-0 home win over Crawley, before he picked up a knee injury in March and underwent surgery which ruled him out for five weeks.