Dean Henderson, 24, has taken a back seat this year through no fault of his own. Henderson was given an extended run between the sticks last year as his selection battle with David de Gea ramped up. However, his recovery after contracting Covid-19 over the summer was slower than expected.
That led to De Gea taking the gloves to start the season and a series of inspired displays have seen the Spaniard cement his No 1 spot even after Henderson returned.
Henderson has been afforded just a single appearance this season – the EFL Cup third round defeat to West Ham.
A player of his undoubted talents is too good to waste away on the bench. And per the Sun, the Red Devils have reached that same conclusion.
The newspaper report United will take the unusual step of sanctioning an 18-month loan for Henderson in January.
The lengthy spell away will serve two purposes. Firstly, Henderson will be given an extended run of matches to continue his development elsewhere. Secondly, it will remove the persistent debate about who should be United’s No 1 stopper from the equation.
Man Utd signed Tom Heaton on a free in the summer. The former Burnley goalkeeper would assume the back-up role and remove any doubts in De Gea’s mind about his role in the side. Veteran Lee Grant is also on the club’s books.
United are described as being ‘happy’ with the plan. Henderson’s outlook on the potential move is not relayed in the article, though it’s noted he will face an uphill struggle to regain his place in the England set-up if he continues to warm the bench at United.
Given Henderson’s stellar form at both Sheffield United and Man Utd in recent seasons, common sense would dictate there will be no shortage of top flight suitors.
Indeed, cash-rich Newcastle were recently linked and are again namechecked in the Sun’s report.