De Gea needs competition to keep him on his toes, says Yorke

DWIGHT Yorke believes United must consider having both David de Gea and Dean Henderson at the club next season to create a similar atmosphere to the one he experienced under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Henderson will return to Old Trafford at the end of the season following a two-year spell with Sheffield United where he helped the Blades secure promotion to the Premier League and mount a challenge for a place in Europe during their debut season back in the top division.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes the 23-year-old will be both United and England’s No.1 in the future, but hasn’t ruled out sending him back out on loan again.

De Gea’s place in the side is under threat after an inconsistent season with the Reds. The Spaniard was blasted by Roy Keane for his error against Tottenham and the goalkeeper was beaten at his near post during Saturday’s win against Bournemouth.

Despite his recent errors, Yorke believes De Gea should remain United’s No.1.

“I don’t have a problem [with him being number one],” he told M.E.N. Sport. “We’ve all been in that type of position. Often people don’t look back and remember how fantastic he was. Unfortunately, people have short memories.

“He’s still a great goalkeeper. He’s developed in such an immense way and we were talking about arguably the best goalkeeper in the world a couple of years ago.

“He’s still my No.1. And if I was in Ole’s position, I would be backing him.

“We all make mistakes, I expect him to do better and I’m sure he will. I have

no doubt he will remain at United for some time to come.”

The return of Henderson provides Solskjaer will a major headache. Given De Gea signed a new long-term contract in September, it’s difficult to envisage him leaving, while Henderson will be desperate for minutes at Old Trafford.

Yorke believes the United boss should keep both. He added: “You have to have a conversation with the player. Henderson is progressing nicely. I would think integrate him now. I would say to him: ‘Listen, De Gea is number one but we will give you time in other competitions.’

“De Gea will need the competition there to keep him sharp. At United throughout my time was healthy competition in training every day. If you slack off or you’re not performing well, the manager would make changes and that kept us on our toes.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with David de Gea on Saturday