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Former Manchester United GK linked to Minnesota United

By Nathan Reynolds

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Fan waves Manchester United flag prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on May 21, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Fan waves Manchester United flag prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on May 21, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images) /
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After struggling on defense in their debut season, Minnesota United has been linked with a former Manchester United goalkeeper.

Minnesota United’s season has been a rollercoaster of results and form, but entertaining throughout. After their first few weeks in the league, it appeared as though they could set a new league record for most goals allowed. Sitting at the bottom of the league, the Loons are in desperate need of defensive support and leadership, and are now being linked to Anders Lindegaard, the former Manchester United man.

Metro New York’s Kristian Dyer reported over the weekend that Lindegaard could possibly land in Minnesota. With Bobby Shuttleworth and the Swedish international John Alvbage United’s primary options at the moment, Anders would be a dramatic improvement for a porous backline.

Premier League Experience

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Anders Lindegaard of Preston North End catches the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Preston North End at Griffin Park on September 17, 2016 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Anders Lindegaard of Preston North End catches the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Preston North End at Griffin Park on September 17, 2016 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

At 33, Lindegaard brings top level talent to one of the few MLS sides without a standout keeper. However, throughout his career, finding the ability to consistently start has been his main hurdle.

After a stellar year with Aalesund in the Norweigan league in 2009, Manchester United scooped up the talent as one of the many competing to replace the legend Edwin van der Sar. He spent five years at Old Trafford but only made 19 appearances, with over half of those coming in the 2012-13 season.

Last season he helped Preston North End secure an 11th place finish in the Championship, but the club elected to not renew his contract. Now out of a club, the 2012-13 Premier League winner has likely one more professional contract left in his career.

Should Minnesota make the move?

If Anders is interested in MLS, then a definite yes. Transfermarkt has his value set at $1 million, but the league could likely secure him around the $750,000 range given the growing appeal of the MLS and players desire to live in the States.

He would become the Loons highest paid player by about $200,000 (currently Vadim Demidov at $555,000), but the club could free up nearly $250,000 if they were able to move John Alvbage, who has only started three times this season.

Having conceded 42 goals in 19 games, he would be an upgrade over Shuttleworth, and bring in top level experience that the team currently lacks. The move from Manchester to Minnesota, with Preston as the stopover, would be an unexpected journey, but a smart one for both the MLS side and the player.

Next: Exclusive interview with USMNT & MLS vet Tony Meola

If his interest is real, expect a few other clubs to see if they can acquire his services. Both the LA Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo could use upgrades at the goalkeeper position, while LAFC would allow Lindegaard one more splashy move.

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