Aniket Rai
Roy Keane has his say on Dean Henderson and his ‘nightmare situation’ at Manchester United
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Manchester Evening News) after the 3-2 win against Southampton, Manchester United legend Roy Keane has spoken about the need for Dean Henderson to have game time at Manchester United.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper returned to Manchester United this summer after two successful loan spells at Premier League club Sheffield United.
Since his return, Henderson has struggled for game time, as De Gea continues to be the club’s first-choice goalkeeper after regaining form recently. (h/t Manchester Evening News)
Roy Keane believes the goalkeeper is in a difficult situation and says that it is a ‘nightmare situation’ for him as he struggles to grapple with his role as a benchwarmer.
“It’s a nightmare scenario for him. He wants to play for Man United, of course he does. Being in goal for Sheffield United and Man United every week is completely different, but he had to go back. Ole wanted to see him and work with him closely.”
Keane mentioned that the lack of playing time at Manchester United can regress his goalkeeping skills and can cost him a place in the England national squad.
“You want to get better by playing the games, you can do all the training sessions you want, but if you’re not playing every week, the kid’s gonna go backwards – and that’s gonna cost him, ultimately. For example, if Pickford has a difficult spell – which he always seems to be, in my eyes – then it’s probably difficult for Gareth to go and pick a goalkeeper who’s not playing regularly.”
The Irish pundit also believes that Henderson’s problems are multiplied by the fact that Manchester United would probably not loan him out in January because they will need cover for David de Gea.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper has played in just 4 matches for Manchester United this season, with his only Premier League appearance for the Red Devils coming last weekend as a half-time substitute for the wounded David de Gea.
Henderson would be hoping his fine performance against Southampton is rewarded this week when the Red Devils take on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League. A point for United will be enough to see them qualify from the group.
