Sir Alex Ferguson admits David de Gea is not certain to start the season as first choice for Manchester United

The Red Devils manager admits to being excited by the Spaniard's potential but concedes he faces a battle with Anders Lindegaard to begin the new campaign as the clubs new No. 1

By Shane Farrington

Jul 19, 2011 11:07:00 AM 

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed new signing David de Gea is not guaranteed to begin next season as the club's first choice goalkeeper.

The Spaniard completed his €20 million move from Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer following Edwin can der Sar’s retirement.

However, Sir Alex has admitted De Gea faces a battle with Denmark international Anders Linegaard to become the club's first choice.

"The only area where we may have to be patient is in the goalkeeping position," he said.

"De Gea is only 20, he's young. He's played in the Spanish league for a couple of years, but it's not the English league.

"I think he'll need time to settle in, but the potential is enormous. It's absolutely unbelievable, the potential the boy has got.

"We've also got Anders Lindegaard, so we may get a challenge for them both to accept, but in time the boy De Gea will make it his position, there's no doubt about that.”

De Gea, 20, recently joined his new teammates in the club's pre-season tour of America following an extended holiday due to his involvement in the European U-21 tournament earlier in the summer.