Tomasz Kuszczak denies making 'slave' comment

Manchester United's goalkeepers David de Gea, Danish Anders Lindegaard and Tomasz Kuszczak pictured training (GETTY IMAGES)

Out-of-favour Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak has attempted to defuse claims of a rift between himself and the club.

With David de Gea and Anders Lindegaard established as the top two goalkeepers in Sir Alex Ferguson's squad and England Under-21 international Ben Amos retained to feature in the Carling Cup, Kuszczak has been completely frozen out of the first-team picture at Old Trafford.

It was anticipated Kuszczak would be allowed to leave on loan, although so far, it has not materialised.

Under the circumstances, it was no surprise when an interview appeared, with quotes from Kuszczak, claiming he was being treated like a 'slave' by United.

However, the Pole was shocked at the interpretation that has been put on an interview with Polish newspaper SuperExpress.

And whilst he could hardly claim to be enjoying life at United just now, Kuszczak insists he did not use the words attributed to him.

"In response to recent press reports in the English media, I would like to set the record straight by clarifying that I did not use the word 'slave' in a recent interview I gave to the Polish newspaper SuperExpress, about my current position at Manchester United Football Club," he said in a statement given to Press Association Sport.

"At no point during the interview did I use the word 'slave', or imply that the club was treating me like a 'slave'.

"Indeed what I did say has either been misinterpreted or misreported.

"It is important to clear this misinformation up because I have the utmost respect for the club and have not described my relationship with the club in this way because it is simply not the case."

PA