Solskjaer makes admission over Man Utd goalkeeper situation
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted it will be “difficult” to keep three top-class goalkeepers at Manchester United this summer.
The United boss says it’s a nice problem to have with three goalkeepers vying for the No.1 berth, but he knows decisions will have be made sooner rather than later.
It could pave the way for Dean Henderson to spend a third season out on loan. But 23-year-old’s future could be linked to that of Sergio Romero, with the back-up keeper believed to have been unhappy by missing out on the FA Cup semi-final.
Romero has largely been used at United’s cup keeper. This season, he has appeared in eight Europa League games under Solskjaer and 16 cup game in total.
According to Metro.co.uk, Romero expected to play ahead of David De Gea in the semi-final defeat to Chelsea. And the newspaper says Romero was “really down” to learn Solskjaer had picked De Gea ahead of him.
And if he remains on the bench in Cologne for the Europa League mini tournament then the Argentine may look to move on.
It’s thought the ideal situation for Solskjaer is that Henderson will sign a new contract. He will then be loaned back out to Sheffield United, who will cover all of his wages.
That would leave the 23-year-old in a position in 2021/22 to possibly challenge De Gea for the No.1 role and keep Henderson away from a move to Chelsea.
At the current time the Evening Standard claim Solskajer seems “determined to stick with De Gea as his long-term first choice”.
Solskjaer said: “I think I must be the most privileged manager in the world with the goalkeeping department, with Sergio, David and we’ve got Dean Henderson coming back. Three top, top keepers.
“This season has shown how important Sergio has been for us and for me David always, always performing. We will see what we do for the rest of the season and going forward.
‘Nice problem to have’
“It’s difficult, but it’s a nice problem to have.
“Competition for places is important. We are looking to have competition for places.
“We have Dean, Sergio, David in the ranks. Lee (Grant), the fantastic pro that he is, is backing them up.
“It will be difficult to keep three of them at the club, so we will see what the decision will be there.”
Romero looks likely to be kicking his heels on the bench in Germany after Solskjaer refused to assure him of a place in Monday’s quarter-final against FC Copenhagen.