De end is nigh
THERE was a time not too long ago when David De Gea was considered the best goalkeeper in the world.
His manager at Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, still thinks he is. But he’s wrong. He isn’t even in the top three best keepers. Solskjaer’s passionate defence of De Gea in the wake of last weekend’s remarkable howler at Goodison Park was nothing more significant than a transparent exercise in attempting to repair the shattered confidence of the Spaniard.
That is what managers tend to do but, whether he likes it or not, Solskjaer cannot hide from the fact he has a huge decision to make this summer that could well prove to be the biggest he’s faced since taking charge.
Do United stick with De Gea or allow him to leave and then recall Dean Henderson from his loan spell at Sheffield United to make him their new No.1?
It’s a choice Solskjaer will not want to make, but there is no escaping the fact De Gea is not the keeper he once was, while Henderson is emerging as a top-class one with a massive future in the game. There are said to be one or two ‘concerns’ within the club about De Gea’s form as well as his levels of concentration. No kidding.
He had enough time to take a siesta before deciding how to make a routine clearance against Everton.
Instead he allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to charge it down and score the softest goal you’ll ever see. It was unforgivable.
The easy option for Solskjaer would be to indulge De Gea and believe he still has credit in the bank.
He has given long and loyal service to the club and has been one of United’s most consistent performers. He’s carried them behind a poor defence at times.
But those times change. His standards dropped last season and despite being handed a new contract in September, making him the highest paid keeper in the world, he hasn’t justified his wages.
His errors have become more regular and no shot-stopper has made more of them leading to goals than him in the past 18 months.
Solskjaer might be inclined to feel loyal but there should be no room for sentiment at the highest level.
Instead he should think himself fortunate to have a ready-made replacement in the shape of Henderson.
While De Gea will be 30 later this year and in his 10th season with United, Henderson is just 22.
One is in the present hurtling towards the past, while the other is the future.
Henderson joined the United academy in 2011 and served his apprenticeship with various clubs before moving to the Blades, where he has matured this season to excel at the highest level.
He will be included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for this month’s friendlies against Denmark and Italy. He might even dislodge Jordan Pickford as Southgate’s No.1 ahead of Euro 2020.
Chris Wilder wants to sign him on loan again next season or on a permanent deal, but the man himself remains fiercely ambitious and has set his sights on replacing De Gea at his parent club.
So he should. United bang on about their determination to bring through homegrown talent, so here is their big chance to give Henderson his. He has earned it.
Just imagine if he goes on to establish himself in the England side this summer, then returns to Old Trafford only to be told that he isn’t wanted again because of blind loyalty to De Gea.
What will that do to his confidence – and what will it say about United’s policy towards young, English talent?
The scrutiny will be on De Gea today when United host Manchester City. It will be explosive and the spotlight will be shining on one man more than most.
He could have another stinker. He could have a blinder. But whatever happens, it is starting to feel like the beginning of the end for him in Manchester – and the start of a new beginning for Henderson.