Dean Henderson Needs To Be United’s Number One

Written by on February 9, 2021

Dean Henderson has had to sit and play second fiddle to David de Gea at Manchester United this season. Despite having been the star of the show for Sheffield United during the two previous campaigns

But given some of the mistakes that the Spain international has made this term, you can forgive Henderson for becoming impatient over his lack of playing time after committing himself to the Red Devils in pre-season.

While De Gea’s errors have been more sporadic in 2020-21 than they were over the previous two campaigns. Against Everton, on Saturday he was as much to blame as anyone for United’s failure to convert 2-0 and 3-2 leads into anything more than a draw.

Despite having comparatively less experience, Henderson is noticeably a lot more vocal. De Gea is generally difficult to hear even inside empty stadia.

While the notion of being ‘commanding’ cannot be truly measured. The raw statistics suggest Henderson came into this season already ahead of his rival for the jersey having made more saves, punches, etc in 2019-20.

Advertisement

He also made just the solitary error leading to a goal compared to De Gea’s three. Dean Henderson has continued to look very solid in his handful of appearances in a United shirt to date.

There are those that will apportion some of the blame for Calvert-Lewin’s goal at the weekend towards Harry Maguire. Right now there is no one who realistically deserves to come in and replace the centre-back.

De Gea cannot say the same, and if Henderson shines in the FA Cup against David Moyes’ side. Solskjaer may finally have to put his money where his mouth is when it comes to his goalkeeping situation.

 

Advertisement

Current track

Title

Artist

Background