Man United: Scholes says Dean Henderson has a ‘big opportunity’ to dislodge David de Gea as No 1

Paul Scholes believes Dean Henderson has a ‘big opportunity’ to become Manchester United‘s preferred goalkeeper over David de Gea, adding that the young keeper could also nail down the No 1 spot for England if he performs well in a ‘pivotal’ few weeks.

Henderson, 23, has been forced to wait patiently for his moment since returning to Old Trafford following a hugely successful two-year loan spell at Sheffield United, with De Gea preferred by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

However, the Spaniard has returned to his homeland following the birth of newborn daughter Yanay, meaning that Henderson has been handed a run of six games to deputise for De Gea between the sticks.

Paul Scholes says Dean Henderson has a ‘big opportunity’ to become Man United’s No 1 

The 23-year-old has had to bide his time for a starting berth since returning this season

And the 23-year-old has started that run of fixtures well, keeping clean sheets in the draw against Crystal Palace and last Sunday’s impressive 2-0 win at arch rivals Manchester City.

Scholes hailed Henderson’s ‘comfortable’ presence in goal, insisting that the Englishman has a huge chance to dislodge De Gea, who has developed into one of the world’s best goalkeepers while at Old Trafford. 

‘That depends on what Dean Henderson does now,’ the BT Sport pundit said when asked whether the 23-year-old can become United’s No 1. ‘This is his big opportunity to cement his place in the team. 

However, No 1 keeper David de Gea has returned to Spain following the birth of his daughter

Scholes insisted that Henderson can make the position his own with a run of good displays

‘I love David [De Gea], he has been a sensational goalkeeper for this club for many years but that Everton game he conceded a couple of goals he shouldn’t have and I though maybe it was time for a change but Ole stuck with him.’

The former England midfielder added that a positive run of displays in the coming weeks could not only prove pivotal for Henderson’s future at United, but also see him become England’s first choice keeper heading into the Euros.  

‘That game on Sunday I felt safe with him. He just felt comfortable,. Nice and relaxed, nice and composed and this is a big chance for him. Not just for Man United, if he does well in these next few games he is No 1 for England for me.

‘The next few weeks are pivotal, that will decide David’s future. I don’t think David will sit around and be a number two, neither of them can do. That’s why he has got to take his chance and do what he can to stay in this team.’ 

The pundit added that the 23-year-old can also dislodge Jordan Pickford as England’s No 1

Henderson was moments away from making it three clean sheets on the bounce since returning the side. 

However, the 23-year-old ended Thursday’s clash with AC Milan disappointed after Simon Kjaer netted a last-gasp equaliser to throw the contest wide open heading into next week’s second leg. 

The defender directed a header towards the centre of goal and the Englishman, despite the ball appearing saveable, was unable to steer it away from goal after an acrobatic effort. 

However, questions were raised of Henderson following his role in AC Milan’s late equaliser

Hargreaves has tipped the goalkeeper to bounce back from his error, putting it behind him ahead of this weekend’s visit of West Ham United.

‘Up to this point he has been perfect,’ Hargreaves said in the after-math of Thursday’s 1-1 draw. ‘That is the first mistake he has made. That happens. 

‘That position is very unforgiving. I don’t think it is something that will hurt him I think he will bounce back. 

‘David de Gea has done it for a very long period, for Dean he doesn’t have that credit in the bank and that only comes with experience. It’s a learning curve. ‘