Ex-Man Utd man warns looming solution to pair’s battle will not be nice

Dean Henderson Man Utd v Watford January 2021

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has warned that the battle between Dean Henderson and David de Gea will not end nicely.

The pair remain in a fierce battle for the illustrious role of playing as United’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Long-term No. 1 De Gea has faced further criticism this term, but boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has kept his faith.

Nevertheless, No 2 Henderson has got his chance between the sticks of late. De Gea is in Spain to be with his newborn child and the 30-year-old will not return until after the international break.

As such, Englishman Henderson has four more games to prove his worth and perhaps keep his place after the break.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, ex-United stopper Foster lauded Henderson’s mentality to battle with De Gea.

The 23-year-old proved his Premier League credentials last season on loan at Sheffield United, but has largely struggled for game time at Old Trafford until now.

“Dean is a proper goalkeeper,” Watford goalkeeper Foster said. “You ask anybody in football nowadays that has watched him play and you can just see that he has got it. He has got the ability.

Solskjaer expects Man Utd return for De Gea soon

Solskjaer expects Man Utd return for De Gea soon

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects goalkeeper David De Gea to return 'very soon' after celebrating the birth of his first child in Spain.

“The main thing with playing for a team like Manchester United is having the mentality. When I was at Manchester United all those years ago, I felt like I had the ability, but I definitely didn’t have the mentality.

“I wasn’t ready for it but with Dean, nothing seems to faze him.

“Dean Henderson wants to play first-team football. He is coming off the back of last season with Sheffield United where he was incredible, really outstanding.”

Foster added that with both players signing new contracts in the past two years, the fierce rivalry for game time can only end one way.

Henderson or De Gea will leave

David de Gea; Dean Henderson TEAMtalk

“He [Henderson] just needed to carry on playing first-team football. He signed a new contract,” 37-year-old Foster added.

“David de Gea got the nod ahead of him but David is in the same boat. He wants to play first-team football.

“When you have got a situation like that it is never going to end nicely. Somebody is going to have to leave and somebody is going to stay and play.”

Henderson’s next United test will see him try to keep out AC Milan in Thursday’s first leg of the sides’ last 16 Europa League tie.

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