Fighting to be United No.1 is right move’

GARETH SOUTHGATE believes Dean Henderson has the chance of a lifetime to become Manchester United’s number one keeper.

Henderson, 23, has returned to Old Trafford and signed a huge new £100,000-a-week six-year deal after two years on loan at Sheffield United.

And after including the talented young keeper (left) in his squad to face Iceland and Denmark in the Uefa Nations League, Southgate insists staying to fight first choice David De Gea for top spot is the right decision instead of seeking another loan move.

“I think if I was him and had the chance to push to be the Manchester United number one then I’d make the same decision he has – it’s a great opportunity,” says Southgate.

“He could have taken another season out and gained another year of Premier League experience. But at his age as a goalkeeper you can’t just think about the international situation with us.

“He’s building his career and here’s an opportunity to challenge for the shirt at Manchester United if they are asking him to stay in the building.

“From his point of view he’s got the chance to train every day in front of the manager, to influence him and put David De Gea under pressure for his place.

“And I’m sure he will play games given the number of matches United will have next season.

“I have spoken with Dean across the summer and I think for his career and what he wants to achieve it’s a logical decision. And he and the club can review it as the season goes further forward.”