Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has played down speculation linking Leeds and Celtic with Dean Henderson, telling Goal that the shot-stopper ‘wants to stay’ at Manchester United.
If there is one thing this 23-year-old goalkeeper doesn’t lack, it’s self-confidence.
So, when he returned to Old Trafford after two superb seasons on loan at Sheffield United, Henderson made it clear that he was going to do what no other man has done for about seven years – actually challenge for David de Gea’s spot as the club’s undisputed number one.
That has not exactly gone to plan, however, even with De Gea a flickering shadow of the man who, not so long ago, was the planet’s premier shot-stopper.
Henderson has made just three appearances in 2020/21, against Luton, Istanbul Basaksehir and Brighton’s second string.
But, according to Solskjaer, Henderson has not accepted defeat in the fight to become United and England’s first choice just yet.
“Dean wants to stay at Manchester United and play for Manchester United,” Solskjaer explained, before suggesting that the former Shrewsbury loanee will get his chance before the turn of the year.
“Do you know how many games we’ve got?
“He’s got potential to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. There’s great competition between (Henderson and De Gea).
“I think every position you play for Manchester United, it’s your duty to make me and the coaches happy so then there’s a bigger chance you can play next time.”
The Sun reported yesterday that Leeds United, Brighton and Bournemouth were willing to offer Henderson the game-time he wants, as were a Celtic side linked via 90Min.
Scott Bain has succeeded £4.5 million summer signing Vasilis Barkas as Neil Lennon’s go-to man at Parkhead. But the former Dundee stopper is never far away from a high-profile blunder.
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