Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is blessed with a selection decision most managers would dream of, having to choose between two top class goalkeepers.
This weekend when Manchester United host Brighton, Solskjaer has a choice to make.
Does he make the bold choice and go with Dean Henderson, 30, who started in De Gea’s absence in March – and then retained his place when the Spaniard returned, or does he bring the veteran back?
What would picking Henderson mean?
This is now a straight choice between Henderson, 24, and De Gea and it could affect how United approach the rest of the Premier League campaign, the summer, and next season.
Henderson has done enough to show he can be an asset to United, with a coming of age performance in the San Siro to keep a clean sheet, just after doing so at The Etihad.
It is expected but not taken for granted, that Henderson will overtake De Gea and become the number one next season. This is a chance to Solskjaer to really commit to that stance.
If Henderson gets the start against Brighton, it will confirm that De Gea has been overtaken in the pecking order.
The compromise Solskjaer may go for
Solskjaer is often conservative with his team selections and making the bold call may be one he wants to avoid.
Once he casts De Gea aside, he may feel there is no going back, and Solskjaer will not want to put extra pressure on Henderson.
What Solskjaer will probably do, is recall David de Gea against Brighton on Sunday, and start Henderson in the Europa League against Granada.
In that sense, it will be business as usual. De Gea for the league, and Henderson for the cup.
De Gea would then play the following league game against Spurs, and Henderson in the second leg against Granada.
Henderson may be given a run late in the league, if United wrap up Champions League qualification early. Otherwise, De Gea will likely continue, before Solskjaer ultimately makes his choice in the summer.
If the United boss makes the bolder call to go with Henderson, then he should be commended for making it. But we expect he tries to keep both players happy, for as long as he can.
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