Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is said to “expect” to be the best at Old Trafford next season, which would mean that he will take on current first-choice David de Gea – who is the club’s longest-serving and highest-paid player.
The native Henderson returned to Manchester this season after two extremely successful loan spells at Sheffield United, which resulted in him appearing as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and playing for England’s squad.
Henderson made his name on loan at Sheffield United | Stephen Pond / Getty Images
There was talk of a move away last summer, possibly another loan or a permanent transfer with a repurchase clause, but Henderson was persuaded to stay and compete with De Gea. He signed a new contract that paid him a salary typical of a starter in Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal.
Henderson has largely been a back-up for De Gea. Most of his appearances have come in cup matches, although he will now have the chance to prove himself with more of a consistent run as De Gea is at home in Spain on personal leave after the birth of his first child this week.
Henderson was named in the starting lineup for Wednesday night’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, and the Manchester Evening News reported that he was told before that game to prepare to start the club’s next six matches until the international break in March.
Yanay ❤️ 4 • 3 • 21 pic.twitter.com/UPyKjwn4Ws
– David de Gea (@D_DeGea) March 5, 2021
That run includes three matches he probably would have played in any case – against AC Milan at home and away in the Europa League and against Leicester in the FA Cup – but also with Manchester City and West Ham in the Premier League gives him a real chance to put his statement.
If Henderson performs well, it would give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a serious headache in April.
The Sun claims that Henderson himself ‘feels ready’ to take over as number one. It is also said that United do not intend to let the 23-year-old go, while it is further alleged that they are even considering trying to sell De Gea at the end of the season.
Man Utd has received tips on considering selling David de Gea | Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
Solskjaer has already admitted that Henderson is not the most patient guy, but it would be a big deal to permanently replace De Gea at this stage. A lot can hang on for the next three weeks.
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