Anders Lindegaard feels an ankle injury blew his career at Manchester United.

The Dane was at United before David de Gea's arrival and felt in a good position to keep the then young Spaniard out of the first team.

He told the London Evening Standard: "He was in a terrible position from the first game. He didn't have anything in the bank except for a big price tag. He was young and un-adapted to physical football. The pressure on him was enormous.

"I just had to stay focused and wait for my chance. I got it and I took it.

"It all sounds extremely cynical. But football is cynical. So from my point of view I have to think of my own life and my own career. If I don't think about myself no one will.

"I was never hoping for David to fail. Or anyone else for that matter. But I've always hoped for my own fortune.

"David and I had a great relationship both on and off the pitch. I'd go for dinner with him and his family. And we'd help each other the best we could on the pitch. But if I was asked to choose between him being successful and me being successful I'd choose myself.

"That first season ended for me when I got my ankle stuck in a plastic mannequin in training. I cried like a child when it happened. An injury that will haunt me in my grave.

"I was side-lined for six months and David flourished."