Dean Henderson’s new contract extension leaves Manchester United with a big decision ahead.
He joins David de Gea and Sergio Romero to compete to be United number one, and Sky Sports report Henderson will be staying around to fight for his place.
The report says seven Premier League teams had expressed interest in Henderson. For the time being United have no intention of sending him out on loan.
David de Gea needs new competition. His game has regressed over the past 18 months, with individual errors creeping in.
At the minimum, Henderson will compete with De Gea during pre-season, before Solskjaer makes a judgement over his next decision.
It is a tricky balancing act to make the right choice, and keep everybody happy. In fact, pleasing all the goalkeepers is unlikely to be possible.
Sergio Romero was been quite content on the bench over the past five years. It has been a good balance for United, but De Gea could benefit from more intense competition, which Henderson will provide.
What that means for Romero is unclear. Former United striker Michael Owen says he believes the Argentine will be sold.
Owen added that in his opinion with Romero, De Gea, and Henderson, United have three of the best 10 goalkeepers in the Premier League.
Solskjaer is certainly spoiled for choice. He needs to make smart decisions now, and that may be guided by what offers come in.
If a big bid was forthcoming for David de Gea, United may even consider selling him, due to his high wages, and apparent need for transfer funds. At present though, there are no current bids, likewise with Romero.
Romero has been linked with moves to Leeds and Everton over the past month [ESPN]. No offers have yet been made.
The possibility of Romero being used in a swap deal for Jack Grealish has been suggested by The Mail. Whether Aston Villa go for this, is another matter.
Romero is good enough to play regularly. He kept seven clean sheets in nine games in the Europa League, more than any other goalkeeper in the competition.
Romero was harshly dropped for the semi-final, as he was in the FA Cup, and both legs of the Carabao Cup. United lost all three ties.
Being a ‘cup goalkeeper’ was a consolation for Romero in being second choice. But not being able to complete the competitions makes it a less attractive role.
Now faced with being third choice if Henderson stays, providing De Gea does is not sold, Romero could be the odd man out. As Owen says, it won’t be a surprise if the Argentine makes his exit from Old Trafford this summer.
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