Erik ten Hag has changed his transfer plans after just one game of the new season and wants to sign a goalkeeper capable of challenging David de Gea.
The Spain international went some way to rebuilding his reputation last campaign and reestablished himself as their undisputed No.1 after he was challenged and usurped by Henderson.
United conceded a club record 53 Premier League goals last season but De Gea prevented that total from spiraling towards a figure that would have bordered on parody.
The 31-year-old started this campaign with his status enhanced after Henderson left for Nottingham on loan having appeared to have severed his ties with United after a scathing interview.
De Gea, however, appears ill-suited to the style of football Ten Hag wants to play, one which relies upon his keeper being comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Ten Hag tore a strip off De Gea during a pre-season friendly this summer when he booted the ball up the pitch, rather than attempt a high-risk pass to Tyrell Malacia.
De again looked uncomfortable during last Sunday’s defeat against Brighton, although he was not the only United player appear out of synch with their manager’s requirements.
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According to The Athletic, United had budgeted for around £35,000-per-week in wages to sign another goalkeeper this season with Ten Hag happy to rely on Tom Heaton to act as cover for De Gea.
That plan has been shelved, however, and United will offer Ten Hag more funds to find a suitable back-up with Watford’s Daniel Bachmann as well as Newcastle duo Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow under consideration.
United are believed to view Leeds United’s Ilan Meslier as the ideal replacement for De Gea but accept he is unattainable this summer.
The 22-year-old has already played 74 games for Leeds since joining from Lorient two years ago and, having been schooled by Marcelo Bielsa, would have little trouble adjusting to Ten Hag’s style.
