Varun Pai
Dean Henderson is still keen on seeking a loan move away from Manchester United in January despite Ralf Rangnick stance
Speaking to talkSPORT after the game against Aston Villa, as quoted by The Sun, Ralf Rangnick revealed that he has informed Dean Henderson to stay at Manchester United despite his continued intentions of securing a loan move away from the club.
The 24-year-old shot-stopper had a rough 2021. He made peace with the limited game-time offered to him last season and was in line to start the current campaign. Covid-19 ruined those hopes, and David de Gea has since justified his selection ahead of the Englishman.
The former Sheffield United loanee wants to seal a loan move in January. However, Rangnick has not been open to that idea since he wants three top goalkeepers at the club.
The English international was absent for the FA Cup tie against Aston Villa on Monday but the gaffer revealed that the player is ill. He also talked about the impending transfer situation.
“A couple of weeks ago, he (Dean Henderson) asked me, but I told him I would rather have him stay until the end of the season. We are very happy with our goalkeepers but if it is up to me, I would not want him to leave. David (De Gea) is playing well, but we have covid, you can have an injury, and we need three top goalkeepers.”
Fair stance
Henderson may not appreciate this move by the German gaffer, but he needs to come to terms with it soon. If possible, the club would have sanctioned a loan move for him. But given the current condition, including the Covid-19 pandemic, it is not wise to have only one top keeper at the club.
The Man United academy graduate could argue that he deserves more minutes than the 158 that have been handed to him this season. But the club could pull the counter-argument by showcasing the importance of De Gea, evidenced by his world-class saves in key games.
It is also understandable that the Englishman might want to be in the England squad for the World Cup this year. However, we cannot compromise our season for these reasons. A solution could be found in the summer, but he needs to put his head down and work hard now.
If the Spaniard does experience a dip in form or gets an injury, it could be Henderson’s cue to nail down a starting spot. He has the quality to do so and holds the potential to become perhaps even better than his 30-year-old teammate. Regardless, there is unlikely to be a way out for him out of Old Trafford this month.
More Manchester United News
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- Ralf Rangnick compares Manchester United ace David de Gea to Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer
You have got to feel for him, though. He is clearly talented enough to challenge the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Jordan Pickford for the number 1 goalkeeper’s spot in the England national team. But Gareth Southgate may not go for a goalkeeper that isn’t getting minutes at his club.
