Did Scholes predict Man Utd's Henderson troubles?

Tom Grant
  • Updated: 23 May 2023 08:54 CDT
  • 3 min read
Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson wants to play more regularly.
© ProShots

The news that Manchester United's Dean Henderson wants to leave on a permanent deal in January should come as no surprise to United fans.

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Because former midfielder Paul Scholes predicted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plan to have both Henderson and David De Gea as number one goalkeepers would not work.

Henderson impressed whilst on loan at Sheffield United in 2019/20 and was subsequently brought back to push De Gea for the goalkeeper gloves at Old Trafford.

But he has failed to displace De Gea and 90min.com reports Henderson has now lost patience and wants to leave the club in the next transfer window.

Henderson's only start this season came in the EFL Cup defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford.

United would prefer the goalkeeper to leave on a long-term loan and be ready in waiting for when De Gea decides to leave the club.

What did Scholes say?

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Scholes, speaking as a pundit on BT Sport in May, didn't think Solskjaer would be able to keep both goalkeepers happy.

“I think it’s always awkward when you’re trying to keep two goalkeepers happy,” he said.

Ole’s said both of them, he’s clearly wrong
- Paul Scholes

"I was in a team that tried to replace Peter Schmeichel for years and it wasn’t until we got Edwin van der Sar, five or six years later, until it seemed to settle down again. Who’s number one here?"

“Ole’s said both of them, he’s clearly wrong. I think he couldn’t wait to give Dean Henderson a chance and with David de Gea’s girlfriend or wife having a baby, it gave him the opportunity to play Dean Henderson, which he’s done.

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© ProShots

“I think the number one is the one that plays in Premier League games. Has Dean Henderson totally convinced Ole? I think he’s got a big chance to do it, I don’t think he has over the past five or six games."

Should Henderson leave United

Clearly, Henderson hasn't impressed his manager and it is now having an effect on his England chances.

With the emergence of Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal - who made his England debut on Monday - Henderson will feel he needs to be playing to grab the attention of Gareth Southgate.

A move to Newcastle has been rumoured and at 24 years old, he could make his name as number one at a club that are hoping for success in the coming years.

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