Is Dean Henderson now Man United’s first-choice goalkeeper?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a big decision on Sunday night that may have gone over a few heads.
Dean Henderson (£3.7m) retained his place as Man United came from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Onlookers have become accustomed to the 24-year-old starting between the sticks as he has done since the Red Devils played Crystal Palace in early March.
Henderson initially came into the team because David De Gea (£2.6m) was given to permission to return to Spain to be present for the birth of daughter.
Sunday’s fixture was the first Premier League game since the Spaniard’s return and yet Henderson kept his place.
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The Englishman has frequently been used in the domestic cups and Europa League – he was excellent against Milan in the round of 16 second leg – but the visit of the Seagulls was the first time De Gea has been relegated to the bench in a league game.
Has Solskjaer signalled a permanent changing of the guard?
According to the Manchester Evening News, the Norwegian wanted to drop De Gea for Henderson back in November but decided against it because of the 30-year-old’s reaction to the proposal.
A similar thing is believed to have taken place in the build-up to Man United’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea in February — a game in which De Gea impressed.
Now it seems Solskjaer has become immune to De Gea’s complaints with Henderson now seen as the first-choice option.
It will be interesting to see who starts this Thursday when Man United host Granada in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
Will Solskjaer see the fixture as an opportunity to play his second keeper and, if so, does that mean De Gea will start?
Needless to say, Dream Team gaffers need to keep updated with this situation.
De Gea currently has an ownership of 3.3% while Henderson features in just 1.4% of teams.
Man United will fancy their chances of progressing to the Europa League semi-finals and so there are many point-scoring opportunities remaining this season.
Keep an eye on this one.
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