Henderson tipped to be ‘world class’

Ol e G u n n a r So lsk jaer has backed Dean Henderson to become a world-class goalkeeper as the academy graduate continues to push long-standing Manchester United number one David De Gea.

The 23-year-old returned to Old Trafford in the summer following two impressive loan seasons with Sheffield United, having also enjoyed temporary stints at Shrewsbury, Grimsby and Stockport.

Such experiences helped establish Henderson as one of the best young goalkeepers around , leading United to bring him into the first- team squad in the summer and reward him with a new and improved deal until at least 2025.

Solskjaer would not confirm whether the homegrown shot-stopper would make his fourth

Un i t e d appearance in tonight ’s Champions League clash against Istanbul Basaksehir but said opportunities would be forthcoming.

“Dean wants to stay at Man United and play for Ma n Un i t e d ,” he said of Henderson, who this month made his senior England debut and is pushing for a place at the rearranged European Championships.

“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 a make or break for him.

“It’s not up to me to keep everyone happy, you know. I ’ve said that a few times.

“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 No v e m b e r as United fell to a 2-1 defeat, failing to stage a comeback af ter Anthony Mar tial pulled a goal back just before half-time.

Martial is likely to be leaned on again as United look to get qualification for the Champions League knockout phase back on track against the Turkish champions.

Solskjaer hopes to be able to call upon Paul Pogba for the Group H encounter after the midfielder missed the win against West Brom with a knock.

Che lsea w inger Christian Pulisic should be fit to face Tottenham on

Sunday.

The USA international has been sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury and will not travel to Rennes for tonight ’s Champions League fixture.

Kai Havertz and Thiago Silva, who sat out the weekend win at Newcastle, are in the squad.

Chelsea could qualify for the next round with two matches to spare if they win in France.

Lampard admits that could be invaluable with the hectic schedule his side face.

“I have looked at the schedule and it is brutal. We play Arsenal on Boxing Day and then Aston Villa two days later,” he added.

“We need to try to win this game and if we can get into the next round then we could rest players, but we still want to win the group. I am confident in the squad, even if we rotate.”