Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

‘Upset’ Man Utd star accepts Old Trafford career is finished, with shock move to Tottenham or Chelsea hinging on key condition

Man Utd trio Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire and Dean Henderson

Man Utd trio Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire and Dean Henderson

Tottenham, Chelsea and a third Premier League side are considering signing a Man Utd star who’s reluctantly accepted his career at Old Trafford “is over”, per a report.

Eyebrows were raised last summer when goalkeeper Dean Henderson delivered an explosive interview to talkSPORT.

Reflecting on a disappointing 2021/22 campaign in which he played second fiddle to David de Gea throughout, Henderson gave his employers a piece of his mind.

“The conversation I had, coming out of the Euro 2020 squad, was that you’re coming back to be the number one goalkeeper,” said Henderson.

“I turned so many good loans down last summer for that reason, and they wouldn’t let me go. It was frustrating.

“To sit there and waste 12 months is criminal really, at my age. I was fuming.”

When asked if he spoke to the recently-appointed Erik ten Hag before joining Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan, Henderson continued: “No. I didn’t really want the manager to come in and be able to see me in training because I knew he’d probably want to keep me.”

Man Utd ultimately signed Martin Dubravka on loan from Newcastle to serve as De Gea’s back-up. Upon being recalled six months early in January, United turned to Jack Butland of Crystal Palace.

However, United are understood to be in the market for a high quality back-up to De Gea this summer. If the 12-month option in third-choice Tom Heaton’s contract is triggered, Henderson will be the odd man out once again when his Forest stint concludes.

Henderson has performed well at the City Ground, though Forest were unable to negotiate an option to buy into the loan deal.

Now, writing for Football Insider, transfer expert Pete O’Rourke has dropped a bombshell on the future of Henderson.

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Game over for Henderson at Man Utd

O’Rourke reported Henderson is fully aware United are hunting a new stopper in the market and as such, has “accepted” his Man Utd career “is over”.

Henderson is understood to be unwilling to return to being a simple back-up in Manchester. As such, he’s now seeking a move away and three clubs from within the Premier League are showing interest.

“Dean Henderson‘s future at Old Trafford is over,” wrote O’Rourke.

“The on-loan Nottingham Forest goalkeeper has accepted that a return to Man Utd is now extremely unlikely, and the 26-year-old is pushing for a permanent move this summer.

“Henderson was upset with his treatment in Manchester over the last few seasons and is now aware that the Red Devils are in the market for a new goalkeeper to provide support for David de Gea.

“Not willing to play second fiddle, Henderson wants a new club willing to hand him regular first-team minutes so he can force his way back into the England setup.”

On the subject of where me might end up, O’Rourke named Spurs, Chelsea and the club he’s currently at – Nottingham Forest – as viable destinations.

ESPN recently echoed the claims Tottenham are sizing up Henderson. Hugo Lloris is the current No 1, though a dramatic dip in form could see the veteran Frenchman axed this summer.

However, Sky Sports reporter, Michael Bridge, recently stressed Henderson is not on Tottenham’s radar.

If Bridge is correct, the battle may come down to Chelsea and Forest, though the latter may hold the upper hand.

READ MORE: Euro heavyweight schedule Tottenham talks with star’s ‘free’ exit likely for the best

Nottingham Forest chances hinge on the obvious

Blues boss Graham Potter has shown faith in Kepa Arrizabalaga since succeeding Thomas Tuchel and the Spaniard has grasped his chance with both hands.

A move to Stamford Bridge may see Henderson supplant the out-of-favour Edouard Mendy, though he could find himself serving as deputy to Kepa.

As such, a return to Forest on a permanent basis where he’ll stand the greatest chance of being the undisputed No 1 would appear to make the most sense.

But before Forest can explore another deal with United, O’Rourke stressed avoiding relegation is a must.

“Tottenham and Chelsea have already shown interest,” continued O’Rourke.

“Forest are also keen to keep him at the City Ground on a permanent basis but understand it depends on their Premier League survival.”

If Forest fail to beat the drop, a Henderson move to London would become more viable.

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