Dean’s the man to give De Gea a wake-up call at United ERIC STEELE
EXCLUSIVE BALDOCK: BOSS MUST STAY BLADE AT HEART
BURNLEY SHEFF UTD
Steele brought Henderson to Old Trafford as a 14-year-old and helped hone De Gea’s reflexes when the Spaniard arrived from Atletico Madrid.
Now United’s former goalkeeping coach thinks the pair should go head-to-head next season – a move which he believes would stimulate both of their careers.
Henderson is coming to the end of his second season on loan at Sheffield United and the Blades would love to keep him, while a number of other Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, are monitoring the 23-year-old’s situation. Henderson faces Burnley today, with Steele insisting he is now capable of challenging De Gea, who has come in for criticism from ex-united great Roy Keane.
“I would like to see him play at Manchester United. There’s a huge difference between playing in the Championship and the Premier League for Sheffield United,” said Steele.
“He’s done a terrific job stepping up and Chris Wilder has recognised that.
“The challenge now to Dean should be, ‘Can you play at Manchester United? Can you play in front of 76,000? Can you take on David de Gea?’.
“I think it would also be good for David. Coming up to 30, I think he needs a fresh challenge – one from within the club through Dean
Henderson. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (below) has to make a big decision.
“It could depend on whether United are playing Champions League football next season. One thing is pretty certain: I
GEORGE BALDOCK is hoping that Chris Wilder allows his heart to rule his head when suitors come calling for the Sheffield United boss.
A post-lockdown lull put a dent in the Blades’ hopes of qualifying for Europe – before an emphatic 3-1 victory over Tottenham in midweek.
That win once again emphasised what a fine job Wilder is doing at Bramall can’t see them selling Dean. It’s also a big decision for Dean.
“I brought him in as a raw 14-year-old from Carlisle. We knew then we were bringing in potential. He’s still young at 23.”
A successful goalkeeping
Lane after guiding his hometown club to the Premier League.
And United’s top-flight exploits are sure to put Wilder in the frame for every job available over the coming months.
But full-back Baldock (right) said: “From a selfish point of view, I hope the gaffer can achieve what he wants here. Obviously consultant, Steele – whose clients include the FA – saw Keane’s attack on De Gea after his lapse against Tottenham in which the former United skipper labelled him “the most overrated goalkeeper I’ve seen in a long time”.
Steele added: “David is experienced enough to stand up for himself and say, ‘Fine, error made’. He’s coming up to 400 games for United.
“He’s going to go past Peter Schmeichel’s Old Trafford appearances in the next few games. You don’t play 400 he’s very ambitious but if you ask anyone if they could manage their hometown club in the Premier League and take them far as they can, they’d want to do it. “He’s not changed one bit. He’s been exactly the same since I have been here. “He is so intense on the training ground, you train as if you’re playing a full game, games for Manchester United and win six or seven trophies and not be up there. To achieve that over the last nine years you’ve got to be at some level – and David is right up there.”
“He’s been the club’s Player of the Year on four occasions and been recognised by his peers five times – being selected in the PFA Premier League team of the season. He’s a proven winner.
“But you always need a challenge – and that should come from Dean Henderson next season.” and that’s key to us. If you come off it in training he comes down on you like a ton of bricks, knowing we have to do better or we will roll into the weekend and won’t be at it.”
Baldock has been on the end of a few Wilder tongue-lashings. He added: “Yes, I have been on the receiving end, but you take it on the chin, it’s not personal.
“If he says ‘well played today’, you know you’ve had an absolute worldie.”