David de Gea is not in Manchester United’s matchday squad at all for the visit of Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fourth round.
Dean Henderson has been handed a rare start, despite talk of a potential January exit, with Ralf Rangnick keen to keep him.
Lee Grant and Tom Heaton are on the substitutes’ bench, with de Gea given the night off completely against Chris Wilder’s side.
The news came on the day that de Gea was named the Premier League Player of the Month for January, as a reward for his strong form this season.
Rangnick was asked by MUTV to explain his decision in between the sticks on a big night for United and made it clear.
“With Dean we have a fantastic goalkeeper. His performance since I arrived has been outstanding and that is why I decided to give him a game tonight in front of a sold out Old Trafford.”
That does still not explain why de Gea is not involved at all, but Rangnick made no mention of any injury or other issue.
It is to be hoped that de Gea is simply being completely rested and that he is fit to play against Burnley on Tuesday night.
It is a good opportunity for Henderson to impress during a frustrating season.
De Gea played in the previous round against Aston Villa and was key to getting the clean sheet which secured a safe passage in a 1-0 win.
Now Henderson has a chance to shine and he will hope to take it on an important night.
- Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2026/27
- Glazer family members consider Manchester United stake sale, claim Bloomberg
- Forget Fernando Torres, Nemanja Vidic now names three ‘more difficult’ opponents he faced at Man Utd
- Andy Cole reacts as Michael Carrick set to make his first signing for Man Utd
- Michael Carrick is showing what Man Utd ‘stands for’ with one commitment to role, says Timothy Fosu-Mensah
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
