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Lindegaard will not play against Chelsea despite his excellent display at Benfica

Anders Lindegaard has said that he is prepared to battle David de Gea for the number one spot at Manchester United.

The Danish keeper starred in United's 1-1 draw at Benfica on Wednesday and he hopes his performance has caught the eye of manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

When asked whether he was targeting a first-team spot, Lindegaard replied: "What do you expect me to answer? I'm not here to pick my nose.

"I'm satisfied with my own performance but I'm sad I didn't save the goal."

quote There are always some nerves but not more than usual. It makes me feel alive

United had to come from behind to draw in Lisbon after Oscar Cardozo's strike midway through the first half put the hosts ahead in the sides' first Champions League group game of the season.

Ryan Giggs scored the equaliser just before the break with an impressive solo effort.

The 37-year-old picked up possession on the right, transferred the ball on to his favoured left foot, and smashed an unstoppable shot home from 20 yards past Artur.

The goal - 17 years to the day since he scored his first two in the competition for Manchester United against FC Gothenburg - marked yet another milestone for Giggs.

The Welshman is now the only player to have scored in 16 seasons of the Champions League.

"It was a great goal," enthused Ferguson. "I felt in the early parts of the match he sat too deep in midfield. Once he got behind their central midfield he was a real threat. His goal came because of that. It was terrific."

The game's other main talking point was Lindegaard's performance, which certainly puts further pressure on summer signing De Gea. The Spaniard came in for some heavy criticism after a shaky start to his Old Trafford career.

But United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists De Gea will be restored to his team against Chelsea.

And Ferguson reacted angrily to questions posed by Kelly Cates, daughter of Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, about his goalkeeping dilemmas.

"David de Gea will play on Sunday," he told ITV Sport after the match. "I don't know why you ask these questions.

"You're just looking for stupid, little things."