Manchester United legend, Gary Neville has asked everyone to slow down on the prospect of Dean Henderson becoming first-choice goalkeeper at Manchester United next season.
Neville said even if David de Gea’s form has dropped in recent times, it could be too soon to assume Dean is the better goalkeeper.
According to him, De Gea was the best goalkeeper in the world for 3 or 4 years during a very difficult period for Manchester United post Alex Ferguson, so he deserves more patience from the fans and Ole.
He added that it would be unfair to give Henderson the big role at Old Trafford now because the demands that come with the position might prove too much for him.
His words, “David de Gea, for three or four years, was probably the best goalkeeper in the world – certainly the best in the Premier League,”
“He was player of the year here and, in a very difficult period for Manchester United post Alex Ferguson, was a shining light. The only player really you would say could go into any other team in the Premier League, or the world.
“Since that 2018 World Cup, though, he’s had a real difficult time.
“What I don’t buy into is that Dean Henderson at Sheffield United, obviously from Manchester United on loan, can go into that goal in front of the Stretford End and adapt to what the demands are of being a Manchester United goalkeeper.
“It takes a special character to play in that goal. What I think David de Gea has done in the four or five year period before this last 18 months is build up a lot of credit, whereby he actually deserves a break, the idea he is given the opportunity to correct his form and get it back to where it needs to be.
“When a goalkeeper, or any player, goes through a rough patch it’s mentally tough. He’s at one of the biggest clubs in the world and the scrutiny is on him constantly.
“There is no escape at this club – and that is why I’d be a little bit cautious around Dean Henderson. That is a lonely old place out there to make a mistake if you’re a Manchester United goalkeeper. With respect to Sheffield United, it’s very different making a mistake for Sheffield United.”
“To make that decision, which is a huge call, to say that Dean Henderson comes back to Old Trafford and is the number one, you’re essentially dismissing David de Gea and what he’s done for the club over the past seven or eight years.
“I would just urge caution on that, at this moment in time.”
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