Lindegaard tribute to coach Steele for rapid improvement

Anders Lindegaard says his game is rapidly improving working with coach Eric Steele.

Keeper coach Steele was a big influence in bringing the Dane to Old Trafford last January from Aalesund.

“This is everything I have dreamt of. If I could have seen this scenario one year ago that I am in now I would have been absolutely delighted,” Lindegaard told the Manchester Evening News.

“I have learned a lot. Eric Steele has taught me everything. He has torn me apart and built me up again. I owe him a lot for the goalkeeper I am today. It has been a long journey and it has been amazing.

“I remember when I first arrived he said to me, ‘Everything you have been taught before you have to forget it because it is wrong and what I say is the truth’.

“And he pretty much did rebuild my game. He taught me from the beginning again. I was happy to do that. I was 26 and thrilled to sign for Manchester United and I would do anything to make my dream come true. I have done as much as I could to live up to what people wanted of me.

“It is the technical aspects of the game that Steely changed and said you just cannot use here in England.

“There are many things he has changed but one for example is that in Denmark when you catch the ball you learn to pull the ball into your chest for safety. I had been taught that from being a kid.

“Now I can see that is a part of the goalkeeping game that is ancient. You cannot use it anymore. If you draw the ball in you lose a split second when you lose the quickness of your distribution.

“Being a Manchester United goalkeeper it is very important that your distribution skills are good and quick. I know that if I hadn’t had good distribution skills I would never have been a part of this club. But becoming quicker has been vital for the way we play.

“If the progress keeps going like it has been I will be very satisfied this time in another 12 months’ time. What do I hope will be the situation then? It is a dynamic process and I have my goals but it is not for me to put them out in the press. I will keep them to myself.”