Henderson or De Gea? Why the international break is vital to Manchester United

The goalkeeper position at Manchester United this season has been a tale of two men battling it out for one spot. Experienced Spaniard David de Gea was in possession of the shirt for much of the season, but has been usurped by youthful and confident Englishman Dean Henderson in the last couple of weeks while De Gea was absent for the birth of his child.

With Sergio Romero set to move on in the summer and Lee Grant having appeared more as a fourth official than an actual Manchester United player, the De Gea – Henderson battle looks set to rumble on for the time being.

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Both players have been called up to their respective national sides this month, but neither has made an appearance as of yet. The first one to do so could easily find himself lining up between the sticks for United’s run-in.

What does Dean Henderson bring Man Utd?

At the beginning of this season, Solskjaer predicted that Henderson would eventually establish himself as number one for Manchester United and England.

Henderson has the United job for the time being, as well as the confidence of club legends like Paul Scholes, but high profile mistakes in important games are in danger of costing him his position. A woeful flap at a last minute header in a European quarter final isn’t a good look for anyone.

With England number one Jordan Pickford out injured, Nick Pope took to the field against San Marino and Gareth Southgate has since confirmed that the Burnley man will keep his place:

"“Nick was always going to play the next games anyway. He’s been really patient for his opportunity. He performs consistently high every week for his club and he’s been with us for a long time, waiting for this moment. He’s a very calm character – we like his personality.” (Via: standard.co.uk)"

It’s looking less and less likely that Henderson will be able to show his quality on the international stage and that could open the door to de Gea.

David de Gea: the Manchester United incumbent

David de Gea has won Manchester United’s Player of the Year award a record four times. In 337 Premier League appearances he’s kept 122 clean sheets. He’s as close to a United legend as anyone else at Old Trafford, but in recent years his performances have been steadily declining.

Once a shoo-in for club and country, De Gea has lost his place in Manchester and Spain, and has his work cut out to re-establish himself in either team.

He hasn’t appeared for his national side for almost six months, when his mistake cost Spain the game against underdogs Ukraine.

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Since then Athletic Club’s Unai Simon has been the preferred choice, but is far from untouchable. The shock inclusion of Brighton’s previously uncapped Robert Sanchez in the Spanish squad sums up the current uncertainty in that position.

If De Gea can fight his way back in to the Spanish side, then there is no reason he can’t do the same in Manchester. United have it all to play for in their Premier League run-in, with Leicester, Chelsea and a host of other teams hot on their tail.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be forgiven for turning to experience to guide them through this period, so if De Gea can step up for Spain, he may well step out at Old Trafford.