LUTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Dean Henderson of Manchester United reacts during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Luton Town and Manchester United at Kenilworth Road on September 22, 2020 in Luton, England. Sporting Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors (Photo by Nick Potts - Pool/Getty Images)
According to ESPN, Manchester United are pondering over the prospect of sending Dean Henderson out on loan in January. The United second-choice keeper, who returned from a two-year loan spell at Sheffield United, was given his position behind De Gea this season.
However, certain developments have led to talks about Henderson spending some more time on loan away from United to get more game time.
The Red Devils find themselves in a rather awkward situation with their goalkeepers. David De Gea, who is the first choice, has come under scrutiny for his performances over the last few seasons. Only this season has he started to regain some mojo.
Henderson’s performances for Sheffield United meant that there were calls for him to be installed as number one. However, it was clear that he was going to be the second choice this season.
While he was happy with the sporadic games this season, England gaffer Gareth Southgate has told the 23-year-old shot-stopper that he needs to play on a more regular basis if he intends to oust Jordan Pickford as England No.1.
That puts United in a spot, with De Gea holding the No.1 role and Romero being excluded from the squad. However, the club would feel that Henderson surely needs more than just EFL Cup games and the occasional Champions League game to continue his development.
Sending him out on loan would be the right decision by the club as he would not get many chances this season. That would reduce his chances of featuring as England’s number one in the European Championships next summer.
While that would mean bringing back Romero from the cold and reinstating him as the second choice at least until next summer, it is a move the club has to perform. Henderson is too good to be the second choice and a loan deal in January would be the best for him.
