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Solskjaer gives his verdict on the battle for key position in Man United starting XI

Erik ten Hag open to Dean Henderson Manchester United stay amidst goalkeeping uncertainty.
Erik ten Hag open to Dean Henderson Manchester United stay amidst goalkeeping uncertainty. (imago Images)

Solskjaer has his say on Dean Henderson vs David de Gea

According to the Mirror, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given a hint that Dean Henderson could start in goal ahead of David de Gea for Manchester United against Newcastle United.

Henderson played a solid game in the win over Real Sociedad in the UEFA Europa League earlier this week. A clean sheet coupled with accurate distribution meant that he was singled out by his manager with some glowing words.

“Of course Dean is in with a shout. We pick a team on Saturday and Dean was very solid, good kicking and he could or should have had an assist for Marcus, which is another thing we worked on. He was clean in his handling, clean in his short passes and it was a good performance.

via Mirror.
Manchester United, ManU v Liverpool – Emirates FA Cup – Fourth Round – Old Trafford Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea left and Dean Henderson warm-up on the pitch prior to the beginning of the Emirates FA Cup fourth-round match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday, January 24, 2021. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xLaurencexGriffithsx 57711097

Solskjaer further added that he was impressed with Henderson’s rapid growth but insisted that displacing a goalkeeper of de Gea’s stature is not going to be easy.

“He is maturing all the time but I have a very, very good goalkeeper in David [De Gea]. He saved us against West Brom so I can’t say to you now. I always speak to the players first before I say who’s playing and they will know.”

Henderson’s quick-thinking and distribution were responsible for Marcus Rashford scoring Manchester United’s third goal against Sociedad. Solskjaer said that it was something they had worked on and Henderson could be in line for another appearance on the weekend against Newcastle.

Henderson has had very few opportunities this season in the Premier League with David De Gea still number one by quite a distance. Despite just two league starts, the youngster has been willing to wait for his chances after signing a long-term deal at the start of the season.

Dean Henderson will have to be patient
Dean Henderson is the second choice keeper at Manchester United

“I’ve just got to keep ticking along, keep doing well and my best is yet to come. I’ll keep waiting for those opportunities to come and hopefully I can build a bit of momentum and show my best form.”

via ManUtd.

More Manchester United News :

With De Gea still at the club till 2023, it looks like Dean Henderson might have to be content with the one-off matches in between. However, with the sort of display against Sociedad, he does deserve to start the Newcastle game.

Written by George Baker

Full-time football fan, half-time football writer. Way too big of a Manchester United fan. GGMU.

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