Shearer says now is the time, as Solskjaer issues De Gea warning

David de Gea TEAMtalk

Alan Shearer says that now is the time for Dean Henderson to replace David de Gea as Manchester United’s No.1 keeper.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has consistently spoken of his unwavering belief in De Gea, who has made a number of errors over the last 18 months and has Dean Henderson snapping at his heels having shone on loan at Sheffield United.

None more so than in his Wembley performance in which United were brushed aside 3-1 by Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final.

The Spaniard put in an error-strewn performance in which he allowed a long-range Mason Mount strike sneak past him just moments into the second half.

And Shearer thinks it may be time for Solskjaer to turn to the younger man.

Henderson has impressed during his two-year loan spell at Sheffield United, and Shearer feels that the 23-year-old is ready to step into the limelight.

Speaking on BBC One, Shearer said: “I think it’s time (to drop him). It keeps happening.

“I think you bring Henderson back when you think he’s going to be number one. He has to bring him back as number one otherwise keep him out on loan for experience, but, has that time come? Yes, I think it has.”

 

 

De Gea still has just under three years remaining on his contract at United and he has always been supported by Solskjaer.

But the United boss did admit De Gea should have saved Mount’s shot for Chelsea’s second goal.

‘Everyone has to perform’

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Speaking to BBC, Solskjaer said: “Obviously everyone has to perform and everyone has a chance every time we perform to stake a claim in the team.

“David knows he should have saved the second goal but that’s done now.

“We’ve got to move, we’ve got to look forward to Wednesday (against West Ham in the Premier League).

“It’s hard for a keeper to make amends, apart from David making two or three fantastic saves after.

“But you see Brandon, for example – the character he shows. He plays a square pass into Mount, he probably feels a bit responsible and the rest of the half he was absolutely outstanding.

“The kid has been out for a while, not played, out with an eye injury and his character and personality out there, he kept going, kept going.

“It’s so much easier for outfield players. David showed (his character) in the rest of the game with a few good saves, but he knows he could have saved that one.”