DEAN WILL GET HIS CHANCE, SAYS OLE
OLE GUNNAR Solskjaer has backed Dean Henderson to become a worldclass goalkeeper as the academy graduate continues to push long-standing Manchester United No.1 David De Gea.
The 23-year-old returned to Old Trafford in the summer following two years on loan at Sheffield United, having also enjoyed temporary stints at Shrewsbury, Grimsby and Stockport.
Solskjaer would not confirm whether the homegrown shot-stopper would make his fourth United appearance in tonight’s Champions League tie at home
Performances will always be the deciding factor in whether you play or not
to Istanbul Basaksehir, but said opportunities would be forthcoming.
‘Dean wants to stay at Man United and play for Man United,’ he said of Henderson, who this month made his senior England debut and is pushing for a place at next summer’s Euros.
‘I can’t see the logic in (suggestions there is) only one potential appearance left before Christmas. Do you know how many games we’ve got?
‘I disagree completely if (you are suggesting) tomorrow is a make-or-break (moment) for Dean.
‘He’s training with, for me, one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He’s got potential to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. It’s a great competition between them.
‘I don’t buy that argument that it’s make or break for him. It’s not up to me to keep everyone happy, you know. The performances will always be the deciding factor if you play or not. I think every position that you play for Man United, it is your duty or your responsibility to make me and the coaches happy, so then there’s a bigger chance you can play next time.’
Henderson made his European debut in the reverse fixture against Istanbul Basaksehir at the start of this month as United fell to a 2-1 defeat.
Anthony Martial pulled a goal back just before half-time in Istanbul and is likely to be leaned on again as United look to get qualification for the knockout phase back on track.
‘We started well with two wins,’ Solskjaer said of the 2-1 success at Paris Saint-Germain and 5-0 home defeat of RB Leipzig. ‘Getting to ten points as quickly as you can was the main point but that defeat was a big blow.’
Solskjaer hopes to be able to call upon Paul Pogba tonight after he missed Saturday’s 1-0 win over West Brom.