Dean Henderson’s inclusion for Manchester United in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting lineup against Brighton and Hove Albion indicates his new status as first-choice goalkeeper.
Henderson has started United’s last six games after David de Gea missed an extended period returning to Spain for the birth of his first child.
The 24-year-old has kept four clean sheets in that period, with his only notable error coming in the Europa League first-leg draw to AC Milan.
De Gea’s regression started after his difficult 2018 World Cup in Russia but he has been an outstanding for the Reds and there was a five-year period he was untouchable.
However, Solskjaer has had to be ruthless as two goalkeeper’s of such quality simply cannot remain within the same squad for much longer.
Henderson’s perseverance in the first-team setup this season has been admirable but he is a man with high ambitions and his ultimate goal has always been to play between the sticks in the Red of United.
His selection at Old Trafford against Graham Potter’s Brighton is a huge hint that he has usurped his Spanish teammate to become United’s number one for years to come.
Meanwhile, inevitable questions will be asked over De Gea’s future, a club great who remained a shining light during years of turbulence at United.
Man Utd XI to face Brighton: Henderson, Shaw, Lindelof, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka, Fred, Pogba, Fernandes, Rashford, Greenwood, Cavani
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