Jose Mourinho 'considering Dean Henderson as David de Gea successor'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 22 October 2018

Mourinho 'eyes Henderson as De Gea successor'

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly keeping close tabs on loanee goalkeeper Dean Henderson with a view to him becoming David de Gea's successor.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly keeping close tabs on loanee goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Championship club Sheffield United, where his early-season performances have helped the Blades to emerge as promotion contenders during the opening months of the season.

Henderson has kept four clean sheets in 12 appearances so far this term, and Sheffield United's goalkeeping coach Darren Ward confirmed that Manchester United representatives have been to every game to track his progress.

The Mirror reports that Mourinho is considering Henderson as a possible long-term successor to David de Gea, whose future at the club remains uncertain.

De Gea's contract runs out in 2019 and talks over a new deal have so far proved fruitless, although United do have the option to extend his current terms by a further 12 months.

United's incumbent back-up goalkeepers Lee Grant and Sergio Romero are both veterans, leaving Henderson and fellow loanee Joel Pereira as potential replacements for De Gea in the future.