After his excellent season at Sheffield United, Dean Henderson sat down at Old Trafford on the return from loan and it was clear: he wanted to compete for Manchester United's goal. The Englishman wanted to share experience with De Gea and fight him for the position. So far, the opportunities have been limited but well used (five games, three goals conceded, three clean sheets). Now, from the English press, they reopen the debate after the European catharsis of the red devils.
In Daily Mail they bring out their committee of experts to analyze the hottest issues at Old Trafford and among them is the goal. The three chosen, Sutton, Ladyman and Wheeler, agree that Henderson deserves a new opportunity to fight for the title with De Gea. “He is capable of having great nights like the one United beat PSG but he seems lacking in hunger and that he has nothing more to prove. Give Henderson a chance, if it doesn't work out, United have the best 'two' in the world waiting, “says Ladyman.
“De Gea lacked courage. He turned his back and a goalkeeper can't do that. I think Henderson should have been No. 1 from the start,” adds Sutton. That third goal against Leizpig (the previous two were inevitable) seems to condemn him in Wheeler's eyes as well. “De Gea's attempt to get that goal was regrettable. He has been less prone to errors but he can do better,” he says, inviting Solskjaaer to compete with each other. “If you want competition between the two, it should be fair. Henderson deserves a series of games and a chance to show if he can be the new starter. “
From this newspaper they support the opinions with data and it is that the general downturn of the team at this beginning is affecting everyone. United barely generates one occasion per game this season (0.39 on average) and has an unreliable defense that makes De Gea have the worst percentage of stops in the last five seasons with a 50% effectiveness compared to others years where it passed 70 and reached 80.3, as in 17-18.
Regarding other issues, their opinions are also clear. All three advocate keeping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as coach and offering him the “benefit of the doubt” and are seriously thinking about letting out Paul Pogba as the best possible solution.. “It's too late to build a team around him,” insists Ladyman, that invites us to take Bruno Fernandes as a great reference. For Wheeler it is an issue already 'as boring as Brexit'. “They both arrived the same summer and they get endlessly boring. It has not worked and it will not work. It's time to say goodbye to Pogba and his annoying agent, “he says.