David De Gea's Manchester United blunder has Roy Keane and Graeme Souness pondering Sheffield United's Dean Henderson as Red Devils' number one next season

Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson became the subject of a huge talking point this weekend, without even playing.
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While the Blades enjoyed a week off, due to Aston Villa's participation in the Carabao Cup final, two of their rivals for a European spot were battling it out on Merseyside.

Everton and Manchester United drew 1-1 but it was the performance of the goalkeepers that caught the eye and not for positive reasons.

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Manchester United's number one David De Gea gifted Everton the lead when he held onto the ball too long and his clearance was charged down by former Blade Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the block going to straight in to give the home side the lead.

Dean Henderson is being tipped to become Manchester United's number one sooner rather than later. Picture: Simon Bellis/SportimageDean Henderson is being tipped to become Manchester United's number one sooner rather than later. Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Dean Henderson is being tipped to become Manchester United's number one sooner rather than later. Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

At the other end, Jordan Pickford didn't cover himself in glory in front of England manager Gareth Southgate as he should have done a lot better to prevent Bruno Fernandes equalising.

Henderson is also in the frame to be England's number one for the European Championships in the summer.

On the subject of Manchester United's goalkeeping dilemma, though, the Sky Sports pundits believe that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a big decision to make in the summer, with Henderson due to head back to Old Trafford when his loan deal at the Blades runs out.

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Asked if the contrasting form of Henderson and De Gea has given Solskjaer something to ponder, Red Devils legend Roy Keane said: "I wouldn't be surprised. I think you have to be (thinking about it), that's the manager's job.

"I think you have to be making decisions on your players. They have Henderson out on loan, that's certainly an option that I'm sure Ole's thinking over."

Former Liverpool player and manager Graeme Souness appeared to back Henderson to replace De Gea.

"Big fan of that young boy," said Souness. "At Sheffield United, I remember going back to the mistake he made against Liverpool - his manager wasn't kind to him.

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"It's a hard world, professional football and it put it back to him, if he wants to play at the highest level he's got to learn from it. He would appear to have done that.

"I'm a big fan. I think he's got a big personality."

He added: "De Gea, I would imagine, is one of the best paid players at Manchester United, can you have him sitting on your bench on whatever he's earning and not be a problem to you? Would there be takers for him?

"You look at the situation at Chelsea and they might have a nibble at him.

"It's a big decision and these are the decisions that managers are paid to make. It's a big call that. Big, big call."

The draw at Goodison means Manchester United are in fifth, level on points with Wolves who beat Tottenham 3-2.

Everton are are 11th, three points behind the Blades but having played a game more.