‘I’ve seen it before’ – Neville reveals Henderson doubts

Joe Williams
Dean Henderson Manchester United Gary Neville

Gary Neville says he will “reserve judgement” over Dean Henderson’s ability to dislodge David de Gea and become Manchester United’s long-term number one.

Henderson made his Premier League debut for United when came off the bench at half-time in their weekend comeback victory over Southampton.

But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer put David de Gea straight back in net only a few days later as the Red Devils lost 3-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.


MAILBOX: Go now, Solskjaer. And take De Gea with you…


Henderson has started two League Cup games and a Champions League tie this season but is yet to start a Premier League match.

Neville admits that it’s “exciting” to see the 23-year-old break through at United but still has doubts over whether he can become the club’s new number one goalkeeper.

Neville told Viaplay Fotball: “I think De Gea is the No.1 as Henderson has a lot to do in my mind. I don’t get carried away by a young and talented goalkeeper at Manchester United.

“I’ve seen it before over the last 25 years where there have been young and talented goalkeepers who have threatened to come in but to stand in those goals at the club, in particular when fans come back into the stadium, then they are big, big boots to fill. Only Edwin van der Sar and Peter Schmeichel have filled those boots in my time, while David de Gea has now.

“I think he’s [De Gea] probably been better this season. I was nervous about him towards the end of last season and I think even Ole would’ve been looking at him and thinking ‘you’re not far away from being left out’.

“But I think now he’s stuck with him, which I think is the right thing to do. If you’re going to take someone like him out then you have to make sure that you’re absolutely certain because once you take him out of the team you really are moving his confidence away and he may as well leave the club.

“For me, I think it’s exciting that Henderson is coming through but I reserve my judgement on whether he can become somebody who can go in Manchester United’s goal in the next 10 years.”