Ole: Why I selected Henderson over De Gea

De Gea has missed just one league match so far in 2020/21 – the 3-1 win at West Ham on 5 December – and the Spaniard performed well in last weekend's goalless Manchester derby.

 

But Ole admitted that he had planned for some time to start Henderson in the game against the Blades, due to his previous history with the opposition during a two-year loan spell, plus his encouraging recent displays for the Reds.

 

“It’s one I had pencilled in for him early on,” explained Ole. “I feel Dean is ready as well now to take these games on, because he’s played well when he’s played. David did really well against City, it’s not anything to do with that [form].”

Solskjaer had been asked about Dean's progression in his routine pre-match press conference on Wednesday, and said the goalkeeper had much to thank Chris Wilder and his coaching staff for  following his time with the Sheffield club.

 

“It just shows how beneficial some loan deals are,” commented Solskjaer.

“Of course Dean has worked his way up through the ranks, through the system and the two years at Sheffield United has made him really come back as a more mature, quality keeper. He's had some experiences there with a great promotion and his year in the Premier League last season as well was very valuable for us and for him.”

And the manager also feels Henderson has continued his development in exemplary fashion since arriving back in Manchester during the summer.

 

“He's made his England debut now, since he's come back, and I feel he is learning more and more the Man United style,” explained the boss.

 

“Our play is a bit different [to Sheffield United's]. We have a couple of different demands of him obviously but we're very grateful to Sheffield United and Chris [Wilder] for giving him the chance to develop as they did.”