Magnus Hedman has been denied the opportunity to join Manchester United by Gordon Strachan, but third-choice Morton Hyldgaard has moved to become the number three at Grimsby.

Hedman was one of Alex Ferguson’s favoured choices as he looked for cover for Fabian Barthez and Raimond Van Der Gouw.

But the Swedish keeper’s chances of playing in the Champions League were scuppered because Gordon Strachan wouldn’t let him go. Hedman is said to have respected the decision. 

England Under-21 goalie Chris Kirkland has become the main choice recently at Coventry, but Strachan wanted good cover available for him during the relegation battle.

Manchester United have instead signed veteran Andy Goram from Motherwell.

Hedman said he now hopes to prove himself in the world cup qualifiers, and will be “irritated” if he doesn’t get back in the Coventry City side.

Morten Hyldgaard has been taken to Grimsby Town by manager Lennie Lawrence on loan until the end of the season.

But he will still be the number three choice with the Mariners.

Lawrence said:

"Danny Coyne is doing a brilliant job for us now but we have taken Morten as cover just in case something happens to either of our keepers and we are left with nothing."