Henderson closing on De Gea

mANCHeSTer UNiTeD players believe Dean Henderson is close to deposing David de Gea as the club’s first- choice goalkeeper.

De Gea (below) has started the season as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s No 1 in the Premier League following Henderson’s return to Old Trafford in the summer. Henderson had two successful season loans at Sheffield United.

But Sportsmail sources have described the battle to be United’s first- choice as ‘very tight’, and there is a sense in the United squad that Henderson is applying mounting pressure on De Gea. Having come through the United academy, Henderson made his debut for the club in the 3-0 win over Luton in the Carabao Cup last week and is set to start again in tomorrow’s clash with Brighton in the next round. An assured performance against Premier League opposition will push Henderson closer towards his ambition of overtaking De Gea. earlier this month, Henderson hinted he won’t settle for a role on the United bench, saying: ‘it wouldn’t be clever for me to sit around and not play football, i don’t think it would help any parties at all.’

roy Keane expects Solskjaer to be sacked if United do not finish in the top four this season. United lost to Crystal Palace in their opening Premier League match before beating Brighton on Saturday and Keane told Sky Sports: ‘The honeymoon period is certainly over for Ole.’

Asked if Solskjaer would be fired if he cannot deliver Champions League football, Keane replied: ‘Yeah, i think so.’

United are set to activate a one-year extension on Paul Pogba’s contract. The Frenchman is approaching the final 18 months of his current deal.