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Ben Amos knew his days at Manchester United were numbered when he went from a promise of becoming David De Gea's deputy to fourth choice.

So, the Macclesfield born Reds fan will cut 12 years of ties this summer and seek another club.

Certainly Amos's performances since arriving on loan at Bolton suggest the 24-year-old won't have any problems finding new paymasters.

Wanderers boss Neil Lennon has even hinted there could be a chance of permanent deal with Andy Lonergan and Adam Bogdan out of contract at the end of the season.

Lennon has been fulsome in his praise of a player with experience, albeit limited, of Premier League and Champions League. So, when Louis Van Gaal opted to sign 33-year-old Barcelona legend, Victor Valdes, Amos realised his bid to stay at the club was futile.

However, future employers will get a composite keeper who has tried to take all the best bits of Edwin van dar Saar and then Spaniard De Gea.

"Being a United fan, I’ve always believed I can play for Manchester United and always aspired to be a Manchester United player," said Amos, looking for a third clean sheet since joining Wanderers at Ipswich on Tuesday night.

"You could say Victor's arrival was the final nail in the coffin. Pre-season, I was told I was number two. With the cup games, if I’d got a sniff of that, that would have made it worthwhile sticking around for.

"As soon as Victor was brought in, I was essentially demoted to fourth really. Fourth-choice goalkeeper, you’ve got to move on.

"If I’m being totally honest because I am a United fan is why I’ve hung around a little bit more than I should have.

"But I don’t regret anything. I’ve learnt every day and pushed myself every day. I’ve given it everything I have to make it at United.

"That’s what I wanted to do. Now I have to look forward and there’s a future after United.

"There’s no secrets about that. I have to go and play football. People might say I’ve waited too long at United. They’re probably right but I’m just looking forward now and wanting to enjoy my football.

"It’s been a fair old while since I’ve got out and had some games. I’ve had a frustrating couple of years.

"A new manager’s come in at United and I’ve been hanging on, being a United fan, thinking maybe this is my chance."

Sir Alex Ferguson handed Amos his first team debut in a League Cup tie against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford in 2008.

He played against Valencia in the Champions League and made his top flight bow in a 2-0 home win against Stoke in 2012.

But he hadn't made a first team appearance in 12 months for any side-last playing at Carlisle on loan-before arriving at the Macron Stadium. Hull, Oldham and Peterborough have all had use of his services on a temporary basis.

Amos's debut for the Trotters was as second half substitute at Nottingham Forest after Lonergan knocked himseld unconscious trying to retrieve Dean Moxey's appalling back header. His first job was to pick a penalty out of his net and he conceded again before the end of a 4-1 defeat.

Despite Wanderers' inconsistent recent run Amos has been a model of consistency, showing the skills learned at Old Trafford.

"You could say experience is the biggest thing, I’ve come away," he agreed. "I’ve been with Van der Sar and people like that, seen how they handle themselves on and off the pitch. How they are as people and how they approach the game, because that’s a big thing.

"I’ve learnt loads of things, cherry-picking from different top goalkeepers, so that’s one benefit of not playing games but being at a big club.

"David De Gea is one of the best in the world, so it was up to me to go out and get some games. De Gea was bought for £20m (£17m) and I’m a young lad coming through the ranks.

"He had two years in La Liga playing out of his skin, so in terms of experience you’re behind straight away.

"It’s been difficult and I’ve had to really motivate myself every day. I’ve managed to that because, like most players, I want to play in the Premier League one day.

"I’m out of contract in the summer at United. We tied it in that way, so that I had the freedom of a free move, being 24 I can leave on a Bosman. That gives me a little bit more flexibility about where I can go.

"I’ve extended my deal at Bolton for another month. I don’t know what the manager’s plans are.

"When I’m asked to play, I just try to do my best for Bolton. People can come and watch me play. They’ve been watching me in the 21s but it’s not the same level.

"I just want to be consistent now and do my best for Bolton.

"Thankfully we won against Millwall and a good couple of results in the next couple of games could give us a bit of space."