Manchester United player backs himself to take up the No.1 jersey: Is he a feasible option?

Manchester United’s young goalkeeper Dean Henderson had a great season with Sheffield United, helping the Blades win promotion to the Premier League, while also winning the Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets in the Championship in the 2018-19 season.

The goalkeeper, who recently turned 22 years of age, is optimistic and positive about his future and also revealed that he is ready to be the Manchester United goalkeeper for the next season, while also saying that he is a good enough keeper to play in the Premier League.

“That was the dream (playing in the Premier League) as a kid growing up, what you always aspire to be. You always watch Premier League Years on the telly and to know that could be me next year, I can’t wait. Whether that is at Manchester United, Sheffield United, wherever I’m good enough to be a Premier League goalkeeper. I deserve that chance,” said Henderson, in an interview with Daily Mail.

“It’s a tough one to say where. But do I think I should be playing at Manchester United now? Yes, I do. I think I am good enough and I would help the team a lot, in a positive way. If not there I’m sure I could go back to Sheffield United, play a season and then I’ll prove to Manchester United what they are missing,” said Henderson.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper was Sheffield United’s No. 1 goalkeeper for the 2018-19 season and played every game in the Championship season, where the Blades finished second and secured promotion to the Premier League. The 2018-19 season was his very first year in the Championship, having played for Shrewsbury Town and Grimsby Town in League One and League Two, respectively, in the previous two seasons.

Henderson has just one year remaining on his current contract at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils have the option to extend it by another year.

Is he a feasible option?

Henderson signed with Manchester United in 2011, but has still not made an appearance for the senior side, but has been sent on loan to several clubs, including Stockport County, Grimsby Town, Shrewsbury Town and Sheffield United.

The goalkeeper situation at Manchester United hasn’t been sorted yet. We are still not sure if No. 1 keeper David de Gea is set to stay at the club as he enters the final year in his contract. Meanwhile, No. 2 goalkeeper Sergio Romero looks unlikely to take up the No. 1 spot at the club.

Henderson has never played in the Premier League, but in his very first season in the Championship, he impressed, despite making a few errors. To play in the Premier League requires nerves of steel for any player, especially a young one who hasn’t yet played at such a high level. With Manchester United currently in a transitional phase, it would be deemed foolish to put a 22-year-old between the sticks as they would need a calm and experienced player in goal especially with the defence in tatters.

Perhaps Henderson could be the backup goalkeeper who plays in the cup competitions and gains experience and confidence to play at the highest level as he makes the gradual way to the top.