Dean Henderson 'will expect' to become Manchester United No 1 after Sheffield United stint

Henderson has enjoyed a stellar debut season in the Premier League so far with the Blades, helping them to challenge for a European spot in their first campaign in the top-flight since winning promotion from the Championship last season.

Chris Wilder's men are only two points behind the Red Devils, who occupy what is likely to be the last Champions League spot, but have a game in hand on Ole Gunnar Solskjær's side.

That brings an extra dynamic to the subject of Henderson's future. David De Gea has signed a lucrative long-term contract at Old Trafford, whereas Henderson wants to play games rather than sit on his parent club's bench.

But it remains to be seen whether officials at Old Trafford are keen to do business with a possible European rival when United launch their bid to loan Henderson for a third season in a row.

“Knowing Dean Henderson as I do, he will expect to walk into that Old Trafford dressing room and make the No 1 jersey his own, now,” former Old Trafford goalkeeper coach Eric Steele told the i paper.

“I signed him at 14 and stayed close to him – he has a great attitude. David will have known there was always going to be a young pretender to come and challenge him and that is what Dean will do.

“It will not faze David. You do not get to where David de Gea is today without overcoming obstacles.”