Ole on Dean: He’s not put a foot wrong
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken highly about Dean Henderson but refused to confirm he will be in goal for the Reds’ clash with Istanbul Basaksehir.
Henderson made his Champions League debut against Istanbul Basaksehir in the previous meeting between the Turkish champions and the Reds keeper will be hoping to make his senior Old Trafford bow on Tuesday night.
Other than his appearance in Turkey, our no. 26 has also started away to Luton Town and Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup this season and has impressed the manager with his performances so far in the United shirt.
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“I’ve been very happy with the competition that Dean has provided for David [De Gea], and the response from David,” Ole told reporters on Monday.
“Dean has not really put a foot wrong. He’s developing and he’s maturing along the way, which I am very happy with. I’m not going to give you the team now, [if] it’s Dean or David, I’m not going to say. But I’m very happy with the reaction of both players, I have to say.”
The boss was then asked if Henderson would be frustrated with the fact that De Gea has started the league games for United this season and that he may only get one more appearance, in the Carabao Cup, before Christmas.
There has even be some speculation the England international could leave on loan in January.
“Dean wants to stay at Manchester United and play for Manchester United,” reassured the United boss.
“I can’t see the logic in him only having potentially one more appearance before Christmas. Do you know how many games we’ve got? So I disagree completely if tomorrow is a make-or-break for Dean.
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“He has come back in and trained really well, he’s maturing. He’s had some games, he's training with, for me, one of the best keepers in the world. He’s got the potential to be be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. It’s great competition between them, so 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, that the performances will always be the deciding factor for if you play or not. I think every position that you play for Man United, it’s your duty or your responsibility, to make me and the coaches happy, so there’s a bigger chance that you can play next time.”
Manchester United v Istanbul Basakshehir kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday evening. Make sure you catch all the pre-match build-up on MUTV.