Lindegaard hails ‘warm’ Ferguson

ANDERS Lindegaard will never forget how relaxed Sir Alex Ferguson made him feel when he was first introduced to the legendary Manchester United manager.

Lindegaard is hoping to at least find himself on the bench tomorrow when United tackle City in the concluding Premier League Manchester derby of the campaign tomorrow (12.45pm kick-off).

It is a fair bet tensions will be high in both camps, which certainly was not the case when Lindegaard met Ferguson on a whistlestop tour of United's Carrington training complex late last year.

"I remember almost everything Sir Alex Ferguson said to me," said the 26–year–old.

"The thing I remember most was how comfortable he made me feel. He is maybe the greatest man in football right now, but he can still make people feel comfortable. That is a very good skill to have."

Once he gets his squad back together – Javier Hernandez will be the latest arrival when he returns from Mexico's meeting with Bosnia this morning – Ferguson will be better able to judge the make–up of his team for the crucial City clash.

But it would be no surprise if the Scot stuck with the bulk of those players who remained in Manchester this week, which could mean as many as nine members of his starting line–up go into the game fresh as they attempt to prevent Roberto Mancini's men closing to within a couple of points.

Meanwhile, Patrick Vieira has warned Manchester City to expect a United backlash at Old Trafford.