Rio Ferdinand thinks David De Gea will already have decided to leave Manchester United this summer after Dean Henderson was given the nod for Sunday’s win over Brighton.
De Gea‘s future has remained a topic of scrutiny since a drop-off in form following the 2018 World Cup. Indeed, the Spaniard had one of the worst records for errors last season alongside Jordan Pickford. However, the debate has intensified this term, with No. 2 Dean Henderson fighting for game time.
Recent reports claimed that United bosses do not want the ‘uncertainty’ over their goalkeeping situation carrying on into 2021/22. As such, it was claimed on Sunday that United’s owners, the Glazers, had decided to pay-off the keeper and have ordered his sale.
Those whispers grew louder on Sunday evening when Henderson was given the nod to keep his place against Brighton.
And assessing De Gea’s future, Ferdinand reckons the Spaniard will likely ask to leave and will not settle for being a No 2.
Speaking to BT Sport, Ferdinand said: “You’ve got two options: you fight for your position or you say, ‘that’s me done, I’m off and I’ll go somewhere else’.
“If Dean Henderson finishes the season as number one, I don’t see De Gea staying there. No chance, I don’t see it. I think he’ll go out now.
“His wages will be a determining factor but at the end of the day, two number ones doesn’t work. De Gea has been a mainstay in the team but Ole is maybe seeing things differently now.
“He’s put Henderson in front of him in the queue. Does De Gea accept that and stay? I don’t think so.
“Henderson has been waiting for this opportunity. Now the pressure is on him. Can he live up to the hype? I’m excited for him and looking forward to see what he can do.
“Solskjaer has seen something in him but he has to perform now. It’s okay being number one at Sheffield United, but it’s a different kettle of fish at Manchester United.
“David will be supporting his teammate but when he gets home tonight, his pride and ego will be hurting. And if it’s not, he shouldn’t be here. He’s in the prime of his career and he wants to play every week.”
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Solskjaer admits to De Gea ‘issue’
It remains to be seen whether Solskjaer will keep faith with Henderson for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final tie against Granada.
The Europa League has now probably become United’s main focus this season. A top-four finish looks assured and, while Solskjaer will want to guarantee second, winning the Europa League looks an achievable target.
If Henderson is given the nod for the game, and Sunday’s trip to Tottenham, it would only louden claims that De Gea will depart this summer.
Solskjaer was giving little away after the 2-1 win over Brighton but did admit he had a dilemma.
On the goalkeeping situation after opting to select Henderson, Solskjaer concluded: “I’ve got two great keepers, two numbers 1s.
“David de Gea spent a while back home and then he had internationals so he hadn’t played for about a month. He’ll definitely play football for us again.”
READ MORE: Solskjaer to offer star positional switch amid confusing message over serious Anthony Martial injury
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James Marshment
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