OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has backed Dean Henderson to become No1 for both Manchester United and England.
The Norwegian allowed the 23-year-old to continue his loan spell at Sheffield United this season despite the Blades rivaling the Red Devils for a European spot in the closing weeks.
Henderson has spent the last two seasons at Bramall Lane, helping Chris Wilder’s side gain promotion to the Premier League last year.
The England Under-21 keeper has since flourished in his maiden campaign in the top-flight and has been tipped as the man to replace United’s current shot-stopper David De Gea.
Henderson was called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad in October and a SunSport poll earlier this year found that fans want him to usurp Jordan Pickford as well.
His form has led to interest from Chelsea but Solskjaer has squashed those rumours by confirming that the keeper’s future is at Old Trafford.
The United boss has also hinted that talks of Henderson returning to Sheffield for a third spell are far from a done deal.
Solskjaer said: “For me it doesn’t matter when the season ends. The Sheffield United team this season has consisted of Dean in goal so he should be allowed to complete it.
“It’s not been decided in terms of where Dean is going to be next season.
“This season has proved a great experience for him, he’s done himself some favours with his performances, and proved he will be England’s No1 and Man United’s No1 at some point.
“It’s not my job to keep the players happy or in the team or out of it. Part of it is their responsibility of performing and doing well.
“Dean has made some great choices over the years and developed fantastically – and still is.”
Solskjaer’s words will no doubt heap more pressure on No 1 De Gea following a difficult season before coronavirus lockdown.
The Spaniard had kept two fewer clean sheets than Henderson despite playing two more Prem games.
De Gea comes off worse when it comes to save percentage this season while the former Atletico Madrid star has also made three times as many errors leading to goals.
