Krishnan Sreekumar
Newcastle United step up interest in Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson ahead of summer transfer window
According to the Mirror, Newcastle United are intensifying their interest in Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, offering the player a chance to play regular first-team football.
Henderson is one of the many success stories to have come out of the club’s academy setup. Rising through the ranks at Carrington, he has now become an established member of the first team. However, he has yet to become first-choice for the senior side.
David de Gea is firmly established as the side’s No. 1, and his performances this season give him no reason to worry about being dropped. The Spaniard has been one of the bright spots during the current campaign, with some of his other teammates failing to pull their weight this term.
Henderson’s path to becoming the team’s first choice keeper is blocked by de Gea, and it is unlikely that the Spain international will be sold or moved to make way for the academy graduate. It remains to be seen if the Englishman is willing to spend another season on the bench.
Guaranteed first-team football
Newcastle could offer him a way out and play more first-team football, having tried their luck in signing Henderson on loan in the January transfer window. Now, they are set to make another attempt to snap him up as manager Eddie Howe sees the United goalie as Martin Dubravka’s successor.
The 25-year-old could still stay at Old Trafford if incoming new boss Erik ten Hag is able to guarantee that he will become the team’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of de Gea. It remains to be seen whether the Dutchman thinks along those lines.
Based on de Gea’s form this season and the fact that he has been the undisputed first pick between the sticks, it looks highly unlikely that he will be dropped by the new manager in favour of Henderson. The Spaniard has been the No. 1 for the club ever since his move from Atletico Madrid in 2011.
Last season, for a brief period, Henderson took over as the first-choice keeper when de Gea suffered a dip in form. However, that run did not last too long, and this term, the Englishman has remained his deputy in games.
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The25-year-old has mostly been given appearances in domestic cup competitions, but the Red Devils never made it too far in these tournaments for Henderson to gain many minutes. With de Gea standing in his way, perhaps a move outside would be most beneficial for him.
It remains to be seen who ten Hag prefers as his starting goalkeeper, but if Henderson is overlooked, then this may be the last season we see the player turn out for his boyhood club. Only time will tell what happens to his future, and which club he ends up at next term.
