No.1 for next season - De Gea or Henderson?

[Bastian]

Still Big Dave.

Yeah, I think so too. Was hoping to see Henderson more commanding in the box, but he struggled with their set pieces. Doesn't have the physicality, though he's got a bit more courage than Dave. Nowhere close to Dave's reflexes though.

At least he keeps developing, but I worry we may end up needing a new keeper.

 

[pratyush_utd]

De Gea and we would be mad to let him go. He is better goalkeeper than Henderson and we need to improve the team and GK isnt a position we should be looking to change at the moment

 

[MadDogg]

The caf is massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively pro Henderson.

To the extent it doesn't make sense.

That simply isn't the case. Most of the caf isn't sure if Henderson is good enough or not, but recognises that the only way we will find out is if he gets a run of games. What most people also recognise is that De Gea has been poor for three seasons now and is most likely only going to get worse, so the best thing to do is to give Henderson enough games to figure out whether he can be the #1 or if we need to look for somebody new.

 

[alexthelion]

Henderson. Sell de Gea.

 

[Gator Nate]

The problem at this point is that De Gea has no remaining upside. He's demonstrably on the decline and that doesn't reverse at his age.

Henderson has to be given the chance to prove himself, or we end up with no goalkeeper going forward. At least this way, we can make a move before it's too late.

 

[tomaldinho1]

It makes so much sense now to just give Henderson all remaining games in the PL as No1 now top four is as safe as realistically can be. Shirt is his to lose and see how he copes with the pressure.

No one is saying he’s the next VDS or Big Pete but let’s give him a decent run because our defence is better with him and he’s picked up a lot of clean sheets. Unlikely that’s random and if he’s half as good as some pundits hype him to be, he’s a long term option.

 

[el3mel]

I'll keep playing Henderson for the rest of the season. Not like we're risking anything anyway to play De Gea. Let him get such a long run and see where he's comes the end of the season.

 

[POF]

From a squad management perspective, giving Henderson a go is the only decision. He won't be a Schmeichel or prime De Gea in terms of breathtaking saves but he's a confident vocal kid who deserves a shot. He could easily develop into a strong organiser of the defence who saves what he should and doesn't make many mistakes. Much like Van der Sar. If he had a Vidic/Rio partnership in front of him he'd be plenty good enough.

De Gea is nearing the end. His form has been down now for years, he's on huge money and there's a very real personal situation that would draw him into a move back to Spain.

If giving Henderson the #1 role is a gamble then it's a gamble worth taking.

 

[arthurka]

Ole needs to make this decision. If he does he clearly has tackling balls

 

[Canuckred64]

Looks like it will be Henderson although I don't think he will ever be as good as De Gea at his best. There should be a good market for De Gea in the summer, and we can use the fee to improve the team in other areas.

 

[mikel]

I actually see this situation as a positive. I'm not sold that De Gea is washed up and unlikely to get back to his old form. Look at what real competition for his spot did for Luke Shaw. Pushing Shaw with Telles is one of the best things OGS has done since he has been here. I don't think OGS is good tactically but he is a good man-manager. I would like to see De Gea get the next few EPL starts and see what he looks like.

 

[Sylar]

Looks like it will be Henderson although I don't think he will ever be as good as De Gea at his best. There should be a good market for De Gea in the summer, and we can use the fee to improve the team in other areas.

This might be true but given ddg isn't prime ddg anymore, I'd go along with your second part

I think our defence looks better overall worn Henderson and due to that we should have Henderson play more and he can iron out some mistakes

People are expecting flawless performances right away and we didn't get they with DDG

 

[Bondi77]

Looks like Romero will be gone and if Hendo gets the nod and I hope he does then I would imagine that David would want to move on and that will leave us with the prospect of having to find a new number 2 anyway.

 

[cjg-888]

Didn't Edwin Van Der Sar have a period of errors and feeling unappreciated at Juventus? At a similar age as Dea Gea is now, only to turn it back around and go on and be a beast beyond his mid 30s.

I can't help but feel De Gea is in a similar position, being criticised and written off at 30.

I don't dislike Dean, but from early on, he smacks of Joe hart or Jordan Pickford complex imo, in confidence/cockiness, whilst seemingly looking only average at best, from what i can tell.

I really hope we, the club/ole don't negatively reap what we sow in this situation.

 

[MadDogg]

Didn't Edwin Van Der Sar have a period of errors and feeling unappreciated at Juventus? At a similar age as Dea Gea is now, only to turn it back around and go on and be a beast beyond his mid 30s.

I can't help but feel De Gea is in a similar position, being criticised and written off at 30.

The huge difference is that VDS was a very solid all-round keeper who didn't really have any weaknesses except that he was making mistakes at the time. Once he got past the mistakes and got his confidence back it was easy for him to become very solid again.

Compare that to De Gea whose entire game is riddled with weaknesses, which at his best he compensated for by being arguably the best pure shot-stopper in the history of the sport. Once his shot-stopping ability declines his all-round game is average if not poor, and then you throw in quite a few errors as well it really doesn't leave you with much. It's why quite a few people over the years have said that he probably wouldn't have a long career at the top past his early 30's, but unfortunately the decline seemed to start a few years earlier than was expected.

He might improve a bit if he can get his confidence back (he did look better for the first month or two of this season for example), but I don't see him getting back to remotely close to where he was at his peak.

 

[P-Nut]

Henderson for me and not necessarily because I think he's better than DDG right now.

I think they've both got weaknesses, but DDG is at an age where his aren't ever going to get better and his strengths are only going to get worse.

Henderson is still really young for a keeper and barring this last month or so hasn't had a sustained run in the side. I'd like to see what he can do as he builds confidence and eases the pressure on himself from settling into the position fully.

 

[Jonno]

It's not DDG v Henderson for me.

It's simply having any good keeper that can push our backline higher up the pitch, that can come off his line for corners and free kicks and dominate his box, that can distribute the ball quickly and calmly.

For me, Henderson does that. He seems like a good keeper, not necessarily as good as DDG, DDG has been world class over the years. But DDG unfortunately likes to stand on his line, trembling at all times which invites horrendous pressure on our defence and subsequently our whole team.

I don't think DDG should be a sub keeper, I hope he does go back to Spain, we proceed with Henderson next season and should he not quite be the standard we need, we can strengthen in a couple of years.

The GK position with Henderson as no 1 isn't as much of a pressing issue as strengthening in the CF, RW, DM, CB positions.

 

[Rocknrolla69er]

It's not DDG v Henderson for me.

It's simply having any good keeper that can push our backline higher up the pitch, that can come off his line for corners and free kicks and dominate his box, that can distribute the ball quickly and calmly.

For me, Henderson does that. He seems like a good keeper, not necessarily as good as DDG, DDG has been world class over the years. But DDG unfortunately likes to stand on his line, trembling at all times which invites horrendous pressure on our defence and subsequently our whole team.

I don't think DDG should be a sub keeper, I hope he does go back to Spain, we proceed with Henderson next season and should he not quite be the standard we need, we can strengthen in a couple of years.

The GK position with Henderson as no 1 isn't as much of a pressing issue as strengthening in the CF, RW, DM, CB positions.

Exactly my opinion on it pretty much word for word

 

[cjg-888]

The huge difference is that VDS was a very solid all-round keeper who didn't really have any weaknesses except that he was making mistakes at the time. Once he got past the mistakes and got his confidence back it was easy for him to become very solid again.

Compare that to De Gea whose entire game is riddled with weaknesses, which at his best he compensated for by being arguably the best pure shot-stopper in the history of the sport. Once his shot-stopping ability declines his all-round game is average if not poor, and then you throw in quite a few errors as well it really doesn't leave you with much. It's why quite a few people over the years have said that he probably wouldn't have a long career at the top past his early 30's, but unfortunately the decline seemed to start a few years earlier than was expected.

He might improve a bit if he can get his confidence back (he did look better for the first month or two of this season for example), but I don't see him getting back to remotely close to where he was at his peak.

I suppose you are right with VDS situation and all-round ability to overcome.

It's just strange and tiresome to see, the constant calls for De Gea to be replaced etc and the academy/english player hype for a somewhat average (imo) looking GK in Henderson. I can't/don't deny De Gea isn't as good as he once was, but the disrespect and writing him off, you would think he has become a complete and utter catastrophe and liability game in, game out.

What will be, will be and i will support and hope the best for them, whoever comes out number 1 here in the end.

 

[Carl]

From a squad management perspective, giving Henderson a go is the only decision. He won't be a Schmeichel or prime De Gea in terms of breathtaking saves but he's a confident vocal kid who deserves a shot. He could easily develop into a strong organiser of the defence who saves what he should and doesn't make many mistakes. Much like Van der Sar. If he had a Vidic/Rio partnership in front of him he'd be plenty good enough.

De Gea is nearing the end. His form has been down now for years, he's on huge money and there's a very real personal situation that would draw him into a move back to Spain.

If giving Henderson the #1 role is a gamble then it's a gamble worth taking.

Pretty much this. I'm far from convinced Henderson is our next #1, but I am sure that it shouldn't be De Gea, so better to find out what Henderdon can do now rather that waiting until De Gea goes and we have no choice.

 

[Carl]

The caf is massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively, massively pro Henderson.

To the extent it doesn't make sense.

It swings both ways. According to someone on here he made 3 "howlers" in the first half yesterday, which is simply a work of fiction.

 

[calodo2003]

Man United accept De Gea-Henderson dynamic unsustainable for second season
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-united-de-gea-news-20321820

 

[Tiber]

Oblak. Obviously.

Surely if you move on from DDG you want the best possible long term replacement, not just the easiest?

 

[Revan]

I really don’t understand the De Gea-Henderson problem. De Gea might be in decline but he is still far better than Henderson will ever be. Henderson has never been a prodigy, he is just a good enough for EPL keeper.

While it can be discussed if De Gea needs replacing, the answer sure as hell is not Henderson.

 

[phenry]

A lot of that decision will depend on how De Gea performs after his time off. Might have done him the world of good.

Im an optimist

 

[saivet]

I've become less convinced by Henderson, the more he's played. Provided we get the right outfield options in the summer, I'd still give him a shot as no.1 next season even if I'm not convinced he will be our long term choice. I'd say DDG is probably the safer choice but given his wages and his decline in form I'd be fine with us taking a gamble with Henderson.

I think we have enough pressing issues that there's not much point in spending some of the transfer budget on a new keeper.

 

[Rolaholic]

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[sullydnl]

Man United accept De Gea-Henderson dynamic unsustainable for second season
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-united-de-gea-news-20321820

I don't actually believe it because it would be very poor form but if the below were true then it hardly reflects well on Solskjaer:

When De Gea was informed of the intended selection by Solskjaer, he reacted so unhappily Solskjaer restored the Spaniard to the side. Henderson was also poised to start in the goalless draw with Chelsea on February 28 but De Gea expressed his dismay and Solskjaer once again decided to start him over Henderson.

Obviously De Gea is going to be unhappy, he doesn't want to be dropped and it's entirely appropriate for him to express his dismay. That doesn't mean you cave on your decision though.

 

[Carl]

Oblak. Obviously.

Surely if you move on from DDG you want the best possible long term replacement, not just the easiest?

Given our pretty big needs elsewhere, I dont think we can justify circa 100mil on a goalkeeper.

 

[sullydnl]

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It may well be true that Henderson is now our #1 and the dressing room are largely happy with that.

However, I would also sound a note of caution in regards to something I heard Andy Mitten point out, which is that Henderson has a lot more friends among the media than De Gea, who has largely held himself aloof from them during his spell here. And as Mitten pointed out, those sort of friends are useful when the pressure is on. True or not, pro-Henderson coverage from the English press isn't a surprise in this situation.

 

[Phil Osophy]

Very good news.

 

[Gopher Brown]

I haven’t seen Henderson do something extraordinary yet to make me think he’s the guy.

That’s not his fault necessarily as he hasn’t had the opportunity.

 

[Rolaholic]

Tbf Dave is lucky that Romero seemed resigned with a deputy role for so long, he might've been dropped much sooner if he had a more assertive and ambitious no.2 behind him given his downturn the past 2-3 seasons

 

[Paolo Di Canio]

Stick with De Gea and move Hendo on

 

[Leftback99]

I don't think there is much in it and neither are top class. So go with the cheaper one, but then that's a problem because De Gea's contract is ridiculous. It will cost us to move him on, like Sanchez.

 

[Rolaholic]

Stick with De Gea and move Hendo on

United pre-Ole may very well have looked at things through a rose tinted sentimental lense and do just that but I'm confident that it's not the case anymore.

 

[ROFLUTION]

It may well be true that Henderson is now our #1 and the dressing room are largely happy with that.

However, I would also sound a note of caution in regards to something I heard Andy Mitten point out, which is that Henderson has a lot more friends among the media than De Gea, who has largely held himself aloof from them during his spell here. And as Mitten pointed out, those sort of friends are useful when the pressure is on. True or not, pro-Henderson coverage from the English press isn't a surprise in this situation.

Yeah, Let's be honest, a british goalkeeper at the most famous british club is a good recipe for more stories than a quiet Spaniard. Specially when Henderson can be Pickford-like at times. Many frontpages to be written with that material like when we had Barthez

 

[Paolo Di Canio]

United pre-Ole may very well have looked at things through a rose tinted sentimental lense and do just that but I'm confident that it's not the case anymore.

Not rose tinted sentimental stuff I think DDG is a better keeper

 

[Bastian]

I admit to feeling a sentimental over de Gea, he's been such a fantastic servant and he's been loyal too - never undermined the club publicly or had his agent do his dirty work. So in my books he's a top top professional - and that when his dream was close to happening, home city, family, the lot (and a better chance for titles). The contract given was obviously daft, but what else is new with Woodward and Judge?

But it's not just being sentimental. I've been willing to see Henderson as some sort of a super potential, but I just don't see it. I'm happy enough for him to keep being selected to continue to prove himself, but IMV he's not tall enough, not physical enough, his reflexes aren't close to de Gea, though his distribution is a bit better and he shouts a lot more, which I like, but he cannot physically back it up. The corners yesterday were very very similar to de Gea being crowded and not knowing what to do.

I'd rather not go into next season with Henderson #1 and buying an understudy.

Also don't think de Gea is finished.

 

[calodo2003]

I don't actually believe it because it would be very poor form but if the below were true then it hardly reflects well on Solskjaer:



Obviously De Gea is going to be unhappy, he doesn't want to be dropped and it's entirely appropriate for him to express his dismay. That doesn't mean you cave on your decision though.

Agree with the bottom statement. Ole apparently did not handle this too well by backtracking. Seems as though he didn’t read the dressing room that well either.