Why Chris Wilder is playing politics with Man United and the REAL message behind Dean Henderson comments

Sheffield United, he suspects, will be unable to sign Dean Henderson permanently when his loan agreement expires.

But every time the goalkeeper’s name pops up in conversation, whenever he has an opportunity to discuss the player’s future at Old Trafford or his England prospects, United’s manager always makes a reference to how he has improved beyond recognition since arriving at Bramall Lane.

It is a message designed to resonate with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rather than United’s own support base. Wilder is taking steps to ensure, if Henderson is farmed-out again next season, the Norwegian continues to view South Yorkshire as the ideal location for one of the country’s most exciting young talents.

Despite producing a series of commanding performances in the Premier League this term, Henderson’s short-term future remains shrouded in doubt due to a number of factors. United want to renew his contract for a second time but, given David de Gea’s indifferent form, it remains to be seen if Solskjaer will summon the 22-year-old back to the North-West ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

Henderson, however, has made no attempt to disguise the fact that he wants to start, not watch, games. So in the absence of any assurances about his first team prospects, the 20 time English champions could have a very upset footballer on their hands if they recall Henderson and then hand him a place on the bench. De Gea reportedly earns around £350,000 a week which, like it or not, provides him with a certain degree of protection.

Wilder has been trying to cut through the confusion by offering Solskjaer a way out; or at least avoid confronting this awkward problem for another 12 months. It involves brokering another temporary deal with United where, he again reminded ahead of Saturday’s visit to Newcastle, Henderson’s value and reputation has soared since helping them win promotion to the top-flight.

“We’ll help him,” Wilder said. “Wardy (Darren Ward, United’s goalkeeping coach) works with him a lot but he’s the one who goes out and produces every single week.

“It’s the loneliest position on the pitch but he’s been excellent, making some really good saves, and I think the fact he’s willing to go out on loan and gain experience with a different club and put himself in a different situation really is a credit to him.”

Wilder has been a model of diplomacy whenever the subject of Henderson is raised by journalists during United’s pre and post match briefings.

As The Star revealed earlier this term, preliminary talks between Wilder and Solskjaer’s employers to investigate the possibility of brokering a third loan deal began shortly before Christmas.

But the man responsible for leading United from the third to the first tier since being appointed in 2016 chooses his language carefully. Sentences are peppered with reminders that Henderson is “still Manchester United’s player” and that “they’ll decide” what happens next.

Wilder, however, is convinced it makes sense for all three parties concerned if the player stays put for the time being. Indeed it was intriguing and revealing that, despite tipping Henderson to win his first senior ahead of this summer’s Euro 2020 tournament, Wilder pointed-out he remains far from the finished article following last weekend’s win over Norwich City; a result achieved when Henderson produced a superb block to deny Mario Vrancic during the closing stages.

More Machiavellian minds might accuse him of deliberately bringing this to Solskjaer’s attention as he plots the next phase of Henderson’s career.

“I’m not a goalkeeping specialist,” Wilder, speaking following the clash with City, said. “But his performances for us over the last season and a half have been fantastic.

“He’s made a few mistakes along the way but he’s matured and his concentration levels are fabulous. That’s one of the big things people talk about.”

“He’s enjoying life in the Premier League and he’s unbelievably well thought of here by fellow players, the staff and the supporters.

“He has a huge desire to take his game to the very top. But you also have to realise that he is still a young goalkeeper with an enormous amount of learning and getting better in front of him, but he’s doing alright at the moment.”

Henderson’s situation has also been further complicated by reports that Chelsea view him as a potential signing if Kepa Arrizabalaga leaves Stamford Bridge. Manchester United are unlikely to cash-in but, if Solskjaer stands by his recent claim that de Gea is “the best in the world”, Wilder is determined to ensure he understands - and appreciates - that Henderson has not only been good for United, United have also been good for Henderson. And, by extension, Solskjaer’s employers.

“He’s a confident boy, he’s not shy but he backs it up,” Wilder said.