Manchester United

Roy Keane: 'Dean Henderson must prove he is ready to be Man Utd number one'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 07 March 2021

Manchester United legend Roy Keane challenges Dean Henderson to prove his worth as the Red Devils' number one while David de Gea is absent.

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has challenged backup goalkeeper Dean Henderson to prove that he is capable of being Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's number one.

With first-choice goalkeeper David de Gea granted time off following the birth of his child, Henderson could enjoy an extended run of Premier League matches in the coming weeks.

The 23-year-old began his stint in between the sticks in perfect fashion as United beat Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium to end the league leaders' 21-game winning run, but speaking before the match, Keane urged Henderson to grab the opportunity with both hands ahead of next season.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Keane said: "I think so (he's ready). They like him at the club, he went out on loan, he's come back in, as Ole said earlier he's played a few games.

"I think he certainly has the personality to come into a big game. He's been desperate, he's been inpatient, it's worked out well for him with De Gea heading back to Spain.

"Sometimes you need a bit of luck in your career, he's got this opportunity, he's got to take it. He's got to say to Ole in the next few games that he believes he's Manchester United's future number one and to give him the job."

Henderson reportedly expects to be handed the number one jersey for the 2021-22 campaign and will be ready to leave if he is not guaranteed regular game time for the Red Devils.