Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United are reportedly in danger of losing their Academy Graduate Dean Henderson on a free transfer. According to news reports from The Sun, the youngster who is on the radar of Arsenal and Benfica could be tempted to make the move away from Old Trafford.
Henderson is currently on loan at Shrewsbury and has had a great start at the League One club with 5 clean sheets in 10 League matches so far. He has conceded just 6 goals in these matches, making him a great hit at the club.
The 20-year-old previously spent a season on loan at Grimsby Town in League Two last year. Having arrived in 2011 from Carlisle United, Henderson is rated very highly by the United management who regard him as a future first-team prospect.
Henderson was a part of the England Under-20 squad that triumphed in the World Cup earlier this year and his displays at Shrewsbury have caught the attention of many clubs. The youngster’s contract at United expires in 2018 and the riches in the goalkeeping department at Old Trafford has alerted many clubs.
The youngster is looking for assurances from Jose Mourinho with regards to his future path into the first-team before committing to a new deal at United. It is tough for him at the moment though, with United already having David de Gea, Sergio Romero and the very highly-rated Joel Castro Pereira in the pecking order.
Even if De Gea leaves the club, the United management is hopeful of Pereira making the move up the ladder – not to mention another big name who could join the club as De Gea’s replacement. All that Mourinho can promise Henderson is a path to the first team if he keeps impressing.
Will Henderson take that challenge and commit his future to the club? Of course, he can choose the easier option and make a switch to Arsenal with the Gunners lacking clear long-term prospects in that department.
There is interest from Portuguese side Benfica too with the youngster free to negotiate with them from January itself.
So, will Henderson stay and challenge for his future at United or make a move to Arsenal or Benfica?
