Why Sky Sports pundit believes Sheffield United's Dean Henderson presents a problem for Manchester United

Sheffield United’s on loan goalkeeper Dean Henderson will not want to return to Manchester United as number two to David de Gea, according to Sky Sports pundit Danny Higginbotham.
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The 23-year-old stopper has been in fine form this season and is widely tipped to challenge for the number one spot in Gareth Southgate’s England side for this summer’s European Championships.

His performances, coupled with a a series of high-profile errors by de Gea, has led to speculation that Henderson could return to Old Trafford to replace the Spaniard as first choice ‘keeper next season.

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And Higginbotham, the former former footballer-turned-pundit, believes the contrasting form of both ‘keepers has presented Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær with a potential dilemma.

Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who is currently on loan with Sheffield United. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who is currently on loan with Sheffield United. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who is currently on loan with Sheffield United. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“The problem that (Manchester) United will have now is that Dean Henderson isn’t going to come back and sit on the bench, I don’t think,” he told Sky Sports News.

“He’s past that stage now. He’s shown he is capable of doing it in the Premier League, he has his England aspirations so that’s a really tough one to call.

“There's no doubt in my mind that de Gea is still United’s number one. I think he’s got more than enough credit in the bank for what he’s done over recent years for United but it is the Henderson situation.

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“There’s an argument to say that he could be challenging and should be challenging for the number one spot for England, so he’ll not want to go back and sit on the bench in the Premier League even if it is Manchester United because he has shown what he is capable of.”

Henderson, who spent last season on loan with Chris Wilder’s side as they secured promotion to the top flight, has conceded only 25 goals this term – with only runway leaders Liverpool shipping fewer than the Blades.

“He’s done unbelievably well,” said Higginbotham. “You look at the goals they have conceded and it’s right up there in terms of one of the fewest.”

Higginbotham’s comments come just a day after former Newcastle United ‘keeper Shay Given said it was ‘maybe too soon’ for Henderson to be number one at his parent club.