Ben Amos is set to leave Manchester United: Could Bolton Benefit?

Ben Amos was initially brought to the club to act as back-up after Adam Bogdan sustained an ankle injury; However, Andy Lonergan's recent concussion has left Amos as Bolton's temporary number 1. Since his debut away at Nottingham Forest, Amos has gone on to make 6 appearances for Neil Lennon's side and was in fine form on Saturday as he ensured his clean sheet by making some brilliant blocks in the second half.

Amos has given Neil Lennon food for thought after coming in and making such a positive impact. The 24-year-old is in his second month with Wanderers and has conceded just three goals in his five starts, in which he has been unlucky not to have more clean sheets after conceding in injury time on numerous occasions.

Amos has also made seven first-team appearances for Manchester United, and has spent time on loan at Carlisle, Hull, Oldham and Peterborough. His lack of opportunity at Old Trafford has delayed his development, and this is what he said in an interview for the club's official website about why he feels that it's the right time to leave a club that is very close to his heart.

"Being a United fan, I've always believed I can play for Manchester United and always aspired to be a Manchester United player," said Amos, looking for a third clean sheet since joining Wanderers at Portman Road tomorrow night.

"You could say Victor's arrival was the final nail in the coffin. Pre-season, I was told I was number two. With the cup games, if I'd got a sniff of that, that would have made it worthwhile sticking around for. As soon as Victor was brought in, I was essentially demoted to fourth really. Fourth-choice goalkeeper, you've got to move on.

If I'm being totally honest because I am a United fan is why I've hung around a little bit more than I should have. But I don't regret anything. I've learnt every day and pushed myself every day. I've given it everything I have to make it at United. That's what I wanted to do. Now I have to look forward and there's a future after United.

"There's no secrets about that. I have to go and play football. People might say I've waited too long at United. They're probably right but I'm just looking forward now and wanting to enjoy my football. It's been a fair old while since I've got out and had some games. I've had a frustrating couple of years.

A new manager's come in at United and I've been hanging on, being a United fan, thinking maybe this is my chance."

Despite Wanderers' inconsistent recent run Amos has been a model of consistency, showing the skills learned at Old Trafford.

"You could say experience is the biggest thing, I've come away," he agreed. "I've been with Van der Sar and people like that, seen how they handle themselves on and off the pitch. How they are as people and how they approach the game, because that's a big thing."

"I've learnt loads of things, cherry-picking from different top goalkeepers, so that's one benefit of not playing games but being at a big club. David De Gea is one of the best in the world, so it was up to me to go out and get some games. De Gea was bought for £20m and I'm a young lad coming through the ranks. He had two years in La Liga playing out of his skin, so in terms of experience you're behind straight away. It's been difficult and I've had to really motivate myself every day. I've managed to that because, like most players, I want to play in the Premier League one day.

When I'm asked to play, I just try to do my best for Bolton. People can come and watch me play. They've been watching me in the 21s but it's not the same level. I just want to be consistent now and do my best for Bolton.

Thankfully we won against Millwall and a good couple of results in the next couple of games could give us a bit of space."

Ben Amos will not be extending his stay at Old Trafford this year and could be signed for nothing if Lennon decides to do so, due to the keeper's age. With Adam Bogdan and Andy Lonergan out of contract in the summer, should Bolton Wanderers try to keep hold of Ben Amos?

"I'm out of contract in the summer at United. We tied it in that way, so that I had the freedom of a free move, being 24 I can leave on a Bosman. That gives me a little bit more flexibility about where I can go. I've extended my deal at Bolton for another month. I don't know what the manager's plans are.

"I'll assess the options in the summer, see what is about and see what the best thing for me is."