Manchester United first team coach Micheal Carrick Dean has warned David de Gea that he will be put under immediate pressure by Dean Henderson in the battle to become United's starting goalkeeper.
After several months of rumours linking Henderson with a move away from the club, the Englishman has put all rumours to rest as he pens a new five-year contract at Old Trafford. The new deal is a sign of both his desire and belief that he is ready to be the next number one at Old Trafford.
After Henderson's renewal, Carrick said that the two stars will be given an equal chance to lay claim as the undisputed number one for the club. He further revealed that while Henderson may start the cup matches, he will also be considered during league matches in the coming season.
The fans have been calling for Henderson to be the first choice due to the regular errors by De Gea. The Spaniard endured a poor 2019-2020 campaign but manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that he plans to stick with De Gea going forward.
Henderson is worried that a lack of game time will harm his chances of playing for England. The former Sheffield United shot stopper is yet to make his international debut but is considered by many as the long time first-choice starter for the national team. Henderson knows what is ahead and he has admitted being Man United's number two would likely be problematic for his ambition.
He said he is working hard to be the first choice under Gareth Southgate but then he knows there are two good rivals while he remains uncapped.
De Gea has been the number one at Old since joining the club from Atletico Madrid in 2011. After overcoming a very shaky start he has gone on to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world. But the last 2 seasons have been a very difficult one for the goalkeeper who was once labelled 'Mr. Reliable'
The addition of Henderson will likely be the end of the road for Sergio Romero. The Argentine has gone further down the pecking order. He is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer with Lazio and Az Alkmaar keen for his service.