Dean Henderson continued to stake his claim for a place in the starting lineup after Manchester United cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday night.
What’s the word?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side thrashed the Seagulls after Scott McTominay opened the scoring at the AMEX Stadium.
According to ex-Manchester United striker Andy Cole, while Juan Mata made the most of the spotlight, as the midfielder scored a goal and supplied the assist for McTominay, Henderson will have given Solskjaer a lot to think about before the Red Devils face their former boss Jose Mourinho this weekend.
The club legend told Sky Sports he believes Henderson has proved he is more than capable of challenging David de Gea for the number one jersey.
While the game hung in the balance, the 23-year-old made a fine save from Leandro Trossard after he flung out a left hand to stop a stinging shot.
Speaking after the game, Solskjaer was full of high praise for the goalkeeper’s key save after the game, telling reporters it was a “big moment in the game, as it was last time against Luton, kept his concentration, he didn’t have a lot to do, very pleased with it.”
He added “he lives for clean sheets which a keeper should do.”
Schmeichel 2.0?
Old Trafford has witnessed some of the world’s greatest goalkeepers step out onto the pitch but that hasn’t always been the case.
For every Edwin van der Sar, there has been an Anders Lindergaard, although the board may not have to look very far to find a future star within their ranks.
Standing at 1.88m tall, Henderson is very much in the mould of former keeper Peter Schmeichel.
Schmeichel, who is slightly taller at around 1.91m, was also known for his agile frame and athleticism.
While Henderson is hardly a freak of nature, his old boss Chris Wilder said “he has matured and his concentration levels are fantastic” after his late saves denied Norwich City last season.
Last season, the 6 ft 1 colossus saved 13 clean sheets in 36 games in the Premier League, the same amount as De Gea, although the 43-cap Spanish international conceded three more goals. He also saved one out of three penalties and only made one error leading to a goal via SofaScore.
As with any side, competition for places is important, and these numbers hint that Henderson, who currently earns wages worth £120,000-a-week, should be given the opportunity to prove himself in the English top flight.
De Gea has endured a tough start to the season after another erratic display against Crystal Palace. United have been crying out for some competition and Henderson could be the unsung hero they need to push for a place in the top four.
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