Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has paid tribute to Dean Henderson’s comeback performance for Manchester United.
England international Henderson missed the start of the season because he was dealing with the long-term impact of Covid.
He made his first appearance of the season in the 1-0 EFL Cup loss to West Ham on Wednesday.
At his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Aston Villa, Solskjaer took the chance to praise Henderson.
“It’s not my job to keep the players happy; it’s just as much their job to keep me happy and that’s how they conduct themselves. It’s how they play and how they train.
“Unfortunately, with Dean with Covid and the after effects it’s made it a longer run before he can start his season.
“I thought he was brilliant against West Ham and he still feels the effects of that game of course. He’s obviously still building up to full fitness and his best form again.”
David de Gea has been getting the plaudits after his penalty save against West Ham and rightly so.
The Spaniard has come back after the summer and redoubled his efforts to be United’s number one goalkeeper.
That has laid down the gauntlet to Henderson, and he might find it harder to get games now United are out of the EFL Cup.
It’s up to the Englishman to regain his best form and show Solskjaer he can dislodge de Gea. It won’t be an easy task but Henderson doesn’t lack self-belief.
- Tielemans dominated United and showed Solskjaer what he needs and lacks
- Bruno Fernandes made most key passes in the Premier League at weekend
- Manchester United’s players ‘lack grit’ says BBC pundit
- Kobbie Mainoo scores incredible solo goal for England under-17s
- Josip Ilicic hits form at worst possible time for Manchester United