Nottingham Forest are closing in on a loan transfer for Dean Henderson with Steve Cooper in need of a new goalkeeper, who could be their seventh transfer with Manchester United.
The City Ground natives have not shopped at Old Trafford since 2008 but have made a rare trip this summer. Cooper finds himself in the market for a shot-stopper amid claims by The Athletic that Brice Samba will not agree a new contract and intends to leave the Midlands.
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Samba was a crucial cog in Cooper’s plans last term as he guided Nottingham Forest to the Premier League via the play-offs. The 28-year-old kept 15 clean sheets over his 40 regular-season appearances and the final, after semi-final penalty heroics against Sheffield United.
Nottingham Forest closing in on Henderson transfer from Manchester United
Cooper has marked Henderson as an option who can replace Samba at Nottingham Forest, and is now closing in on a deal with Manchester United. Sky Sports report the 25-year-old is set to move to the City Ground for the season on loan, with talks at an advanced stage.
Sheffield United are still pushing to include some form of an option to buy in the deal with the Red Devils. But Old Trafford chiefs would prefer to settle on a temporary move with no purchase conditions. Sky Sports had already noted that talks had hinged on a £20m clause.
The Red Devils will continue to cover a portion of Henderson’s £100k-a-week wage during the temporary period of any transfer. Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ son, Miltiadis, was central to the negotiations with Manchester United and Henderson’s agent.
Henderson had seemed set to join Newcastle United for the new term, but Graeme Bailey claims Dan Ashworth cooled the Magpies’ pursuit after arriving as their sporting director. The ‘keeper is open to leaving Old Trafford this year after playing three games last season.
David de Gea’s excellent form ensured Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his interim successor Ralf Rangnick consistently overlooked Henderson for minutes. He did not play a single Premier League match, while only turning out once in the Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup.
A move to the City Ground would now provide Henderson a chance to rediscover the form he displayed with Sheffield United. The one-cap England ace kept 13 clean sheets from 36 Premier League games on loan with the Blades in 2019/20, then five in 13 at Old Trafford.
So, with Nottingham Forest now closing in on securing a loan-to-buy deal with Manchester United for Henderson, how did the past six to leave Old Trafford for the City Ground fare?
Martin last Manchester United man to join Nottingham Forest ahead of Henderson
Lee Martin was the last Manchester United player to join Nottingham Forest ahead of the clubs agreeing a loan deal for Henderson. The City Ground outfit raided Old Trafford back in August 2008 to take the midfielder on loan, but he would only go on to play 14 games.
The Taunton-born playmaker quickly forced his way into the Forest line-up, but would fail to demonstrate his creative threat enough. A lack of consistency would see Martin fall out of the side before returning to Manchester in November after one goal and three assists.
Stewart sealed temporary Nottingham Forest switch for 2003/04 season
Michael Stewart sealed a temporary switch from Manchester United to Nottingham Forest for the 2003/04 season. The midfielder would amass 15 appearances during his time in the Midlands, but only started 12 games and did not play past December after disappointing.
Nottingham Forest sealed last permanent Manchester United raid with Irving
Nottingham Forest sealed their last permanent transfer from Manchester United by buying Richard Irving at 19 in 1995 for £75k. Yet the move did not work out and the forward rarely played before joining Macclesfield in 1997, while hamstring problems took his pace away.
Webb returned to Nottingham Forest after Manchester United spell
Neil Webb first joined Nottingham Forest in 1985 from Portsmouth and enjoyed four years in the Midlands. Manchester United would come calling in 1989 for the midfielder, yet he would head back to the City Ground in 1992 only to struggle to regain his first-team role.
Two-time European Cup winner Birtles returned to Nottingham Forest in 1982
Garry Birtles helped Nottingham Forest to win back-to-back European Cups in 1978/79 and 1979/80. The forward’s City Ground displays convinced Manchester United to sign him in 1980. But he would spend just two years at Old Trafford before re-joining Forest to 1987.
Nottingham Forest sealed first Manchester United transfer with Anderson
Nottingham Forest secured their first transfer for a Manchester United player in 1949 with John Anderson. The forward spent three years with the Red Devils following World War II, and would enjoy two at the City Ground before sealing his switch to Peterborough United.
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