IT MIGHT NOT BE A HAPPY ING
Solskjaer lays down De challenge to Dean
PRAYING FOR GOALS: Anthony Martial is desperate to start scoring again
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has told Dean Henderson he has to earn the right to dislodge Manchester United No. 1 David De Gea.
Henderson, 23, has made just three appearances for United this season since returning to challenge De Gea following his successful season- long spell at Sheffield United.
Although Henderson started United’s 2- 1 Champions League defeat by Istanbul Basaksehir three weeks ago, he has been left waiting to learn if he will keep his place for tonight’s return fixture.
With De Gea still Solskjaer’s first choice, if Henderson does not play tonight the EFL Cup quarter- final against Everton on December 23 could feasibly be his only remaining start this year.
Solskjaer rejected that notion but told Henderson, who is aiming for Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad after making his England debut earlier this month, it is up to him to prove his worth.
“It’s not up to me to keep everyone happy,” said Solskjaer.
“I’ve said that a few times. The performances will always be the deciding factor if you play or not.
“Every position you play for
PROVE IT: Solskjaer has told Henderson to earn the No. 1 spot
Manchester
United, it’s your duty or your responsibility to make me and the coaches happy.
So then you can play more.
“Dean wants to stay at Manchester United and play for Manchester United.
“I can’t see the logic in him having only one potential appearance left before Christmas.
“Do you know how many games we’ve got?
“So I disagree completely if tomorrow is make- or- break for Dean.
“He’s come back in, he’s training really well, he’s maturing, he’s had some games. He’s training with one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
“He’s got the potential to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. It’s a great competition between
them, so I don’t buy that argument that it’s a make- orbreak for him.
“I’ve been very happy with the competition that Dean has provided for David.
“Dean’s not really put a foot wrong and he’s developing and maturing along the way. “I’m not going to give you the team now and say if it’s Dean or David but I’m pleased with the reaction from both players.”
Solskjaer has also called on Anthony Martial to continue the progress he made last season that saw him plunder a career- best haul of 23 goals.
Martial has managed two goals in eight appearances for United so far this season with Solskjaer warning the striker he must push on.
“Last season Anthony showed he made big strides,” said the Norwegian. “Now it’s time again to make even bigger strides.
“He scored 23 goals last season, which was a big return. But every season is a challenge and you cannot rest on your laurels at Manchester United, there are demands in any position.
“We want Anthony to kick on. I thought with
France, against Portugal, he showed his qualities as a centre- forward, getting into good positions but Rui Patricio made a few good saves.
“That might have affected Anthony’s confidence but for me it’s him getting the chances.
“That’s the big thing because I know his conversion rate has always been good.
“Maybe, at the moment the keepers have made good saves against him but that will change quickly.”