Solskjaer: Henderson remains our reserve ‘keeper

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made it clear that Dean Henderson remains the back-up for current first choice goalkeeper David de Gea.

De Gea had been in miserable form for a couple of years and Henderson’s new contract led to speculation that he could replace the Spaniard between the sticks.

However Henderson has barely featured, with De Gea much improved and clearly the side’s number one at the moment.

Ahead of the game with Istanbul Basaksehir, Solskjaer was asked if Henderson was happy sitting on the bench.

“It’s not up to me to keep everyone happy, you know?” said Solskjaer.

“I’ve said that a few times.

“The performances will always be the deciding factor if you play or not.

“Every position you play for Manchester United, it’s your duty or your responsibility to make me and the coaches happy. So then you can play more.

“Dean wants to stay at Manchester United and play for Manchester United.

“I can’t see the logic in him having only one potential appearance left before Christmas. Do you know how many games we’ve got?

“So I disagree completely if tomorrow is make-or-break for Dean.

“He’s come back in, he’s training really well, he’s maturing, he’s had some games, he’s training, for me, with one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

“He’s got the potential to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world, it’s a great competition between them, so I don’t buy that argument that it’s a make-or-break for him.

“I’ve been very happy with the competition that Dean has provided for David.

“Dean’s not really put a foot wrong and he’s developing and maturing along the way.

“I’m not going to give you the team now and say if it’s Dean or David, but I’m pleased with the reaction from both players.”

Henderson has been linked with a January loan move to Brighton and Leeds, so that may be complicated by a potential exit for fellow reserve ‘keeper Sergio Romero.