Ole hints he’s not playing for keeps over goalie trio

OLE Gunnar Solskjaer has again suggested United are unlikely to go into next season with David de Gea, Sergio Romero, and Dean Henderson in their first-team squad.

De Gea, 29, signed a new four-year contract in September but his form has been problematic for upwards of a year and Henderson thrived on loan at Sheffield United.

Henderson, 23, signed a new three-year deal with United in July and is generating interest from Chelsea amid discussions over a new contract. Romero, 33, is out of contract next year but United have the option of an additional year.

Romero switched to the Stellar Group agency that also represents Henderson earlier this year and Henderson is believed to only be prepared to return to United if he is promoted to first-choice goalkeeper.

Romero has started the majority of United’s Europa League games this season and was in goal for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final in the successful 2016-17 campaign, but Solskjaer has refused to confirm if he will start in tonight’s last eight tie with Copenhagen in Cologne.

“That’s an obvious question. I think I must be the most privileged manager in the world with the goalkeeping department, with Sergio, David and we’ve got Dean Henderson coming back – three top, top keepers.

“This season has shown how important Sergio has been for us and, for me, David always performing. As you say, competition for places is important. We have Dean, Sergio, David in the ranks.

“It will be difficult to keep three of them at the club, so we will see what the decision will be there.”