Man United goalkeeper Dean Henderson will get chance to challenge De Gea for No1 jersey, says Solskjaer

James Robson @jamesrobsonES19 September 2020

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Dean Henderson will be given the opportunity to challenge for Manchester United’s No1 spot.

The highly-rated goalkeeper has returned from a season-long loan at Sheffield United and will compete with David de Gea to be first choice this season.

Henderson has made no secret of his determination to play for club and country after breaking into the England squad – and will not be prepared to be used as back-up after an outstanding season for Sheffield United.

Solskjaer has previously claimed De Gea will be his No1 for the foreseeable future, despite the Spain international coming under increasing criticism for high-profile errors over the past two seasons.

With Sergio Romero also in contention, United will have to keep three internationals happy.

Challenge: Henderson is hoping to become Man United's number one choice  Photo: Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United via Getty Images

But it appears it is a straight battle between De Gea and Henderson, with Solskjaer making it clear he will reward whoever is in the best form.

“You keep your place in the team or you play when you play well,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a keeper or a striker or full-back.

“Of course keeper is a different position on the pitch. There’s less physical demands compared to an outfield player that you will rotate more maybe.

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"But you need competition, and you need to get that competition to push each other so we can get the best possible performance out of one of them.

“And hopefully the two of them will always be performing when they play.”