Scholes insists Ole is ‘clearly wrong’ over major Man Utd claim

Joe Williams
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Man Utd
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Man Utd

Paul Scholes says Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is “clearly wrong” over his claims that both Dean Henderson and David de Gea are currently number one.

Henderson impressed while on loan at Sheffield United last season as the Blades had one of the best defensive records in the Premier League.

He returned in the summer to fight for his place in the Man Utd side with long-term number one De Gea providing him with stiff competition.


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Henderson has started recent matches in the Premier League after De Gea went to attend the birth of his first child – but the Spaniard was preferred to the England international in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Solskjaer won’t be drawn on who’s his number one but Scholes reckons Henderson has “a chance” to cement his place in the side.

Scholes told BT Sport: “I think it’s always awkward when you’re trying to keep two goalkeepers happy. I was in a team that tried to replace Peter Schmeichel for years and it wasn’t until we got Edwin van der Sar, five or six years later, until it seemed to settle down again. Who’s number one here?

“Ole’s said both of them, he’s clearly wrong. I think he couldn’t wait to give Dean Henderson a chance and with David de Gea’s girlfriend or wife having a baby, it gave him the opportunity to play Dean Henderson, which he’s done.

“I think the number one is the one that plays in Premier League games. Has Dean Henderson totally convinced Ole? I think he’s got a big chance to do it, I don’t think he has over the past five or six games.

“You have to say, David is a quality keeper, the service he’s given to United, what he did for four or five years when United were really struggling.

“They could’ve been a mid-table team without him, he’s lost a bit of form and a bit of confidence, but I wouldn’t write him off.”

 

Ahead of their Europa League victory over Granada, Solskjaer said that he was “very comfortable” playing either goalkeeper in any match.

Solskjaer said: “Every time I try to explain to players why they aren’t playing, those discussions remain private.

“David [De Gea] has been a top keeper and is still a top keeper. I’m very comfortable playing with David or Dean and I’m pleased that either of them are happy to be a sub.

“When you’re a part of Man United, there will always be players that come in and they’re not just there to fill the squad.

“I was there as a striker when we signed loads of top strikers like Rooney, Sheringham, Yorke. But I wanted to show the manager that I still had a role to play.

“David [De Gea] has had 10 fantastic years at Man United. Sergio [Romero] probably played less games than he deserved. Dean comes in and he wants to play. It’s a healthy competition.

“The goalkeeping departments are a very tight-knit group. They stay together more and form a bond.

“The spirit in the keeper department has been top. All of them want to play and that includes [Lee] Grant, [Nathan] Bishop and Romero.”